Real Madrid Coach Mourinho Makes Rodri Barcelona Confession And Confirms Two Injuries

BusinessSportsMoneyReal Madrid Coach Mourinho Makes Rodri Barcelona Confession And Confirms Two InjuriesByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorAug 21, 2026, 05:36am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryReal Madrid manager Jose Mourinho admitted he wanted to sign Rodri, who ultimately joined FC Barcelona, describing him as "the icing on the cake." Despite missing out on the World Cup's Best Player, Mourinho asserted Real Madrid's midfield, including Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Valverde, has no deficit, even after Kroos and Modric's exits. This confession highlights the intense rivalry, with Barcelona recently dominating domestic trophies. Mourinho also confirmed two injury absences for the Espanyol match: Endrick is out with a minor muscle injury, and Tchouameni will not start as he regains fitness, potentially forcing Camavinga into a pivot role.Show More Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho made a confession about new FC Barcelona signing Rodri and confirmed two injuries in his first press conference ahead of Espanyol.Europa Press via Getty ImagesReal Madrid manager Jose Mourinho made a confession about new FC Barcelona signing Rodri and confirmed two injuries in his first press conference ahead of Espanyol.The Catalans beat Madrid to the Spain captain and Best Player at the World Cup after talks between his former club Manchester City and Los Blancos closed down.Despite their shortcomings in that area of the park, however, since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Mourinho stated that: “I don't think we have a deficit in midfield”. "Then you can come with the question of :’If he doesn’t have a deficit, why did you want to sign Rodri?’. Rodri would have been like the icing on the cake. He is a g...