Jose Mourinho touched on a wide range of topics during an interview with El Chiringuito, including the Negreira case, Diomande, Bernardo Silva, and Lamine Yamal.
Mourinho was particularly pointed when discussing the Negreira case, comparing the situation in Spain to the Calciopoli scandal in Italy.
“The Negreira case is in the courts, let’s see what the courts say. I felt something was off; I didn’t know the name, I didn’t know who Negreira was. But it was strange. A few years later, it’s clear that
it wasn’t strange at all; the only thing I find strange is the justice system. They did the same thing in Italy with Calciopoli.”
Mourinho also discussed Diomande and explained the process behind approving the winger’s arrival. He stressed that he did not arrive at the club demanding specific signings, but after studying the squad, he gave his approval when presented with the possibility of signing Diomande.
“I didn’t ask for anyone. I arrive without asking for anyone, I arrive having thoroughly analyzed the squad and being aware of what I would like to happen. But with the things that happened last season, I wanted to know a lot of things and act as if I knew nothing. Diomande is a fast, aggressive winger who can play on both flanks isn’t easy. I don’t want to analyze whether he costs 120, 80, or 20; I analyze what he can give to my team, and I said ‘yes, I want him.’ The cost isn’t my concern.”
On Bernardo Silva, Mourinho described the midfielder as a quintessential Pep Guardiola player while emphasizing his versatility. Although Bernardo has operated in several positions throughout his career, Mourinho said he currently views him primarily as a midfielder.
“Bernardo Silva is a Pep player, a Pep Guardiola player. He contributes everything, I hope we can have few problems and a lot of stability, and for me Bernardo is a midfielder today. But he can play as a number 10, on the right wing, he can play anywhere.”
Mourinho was also asked about Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. He praised the youngster’s quality and potential but made clear that he would not swap out any of his own players to accommodate him, backing the squad currently at his disposal.
“No, no. Lamine Yamal is a great player, no doubt. A young player with incredible potential. It’s not normal to be a European champion, a world champion, at such a young age, 19 or 20… but we have a top squad. I wouldn’t make room for anyone right now. Right now, it’s my players, and my players are the best.”
