‘Real Madrid Can’t Have Players Who Think Twice’ — Mourinho on Rodri

Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has revealed that uncertainty from Rodri played a major role in the club’s decision not to pursue the Spain midfielder more aggressively before he ultimately joined Barcelona.

Speaking in an interview with El Chiringuito, Mourinho said he personally spoke with Rodri several times during negotiations and acknowledged that Madrid had made the midfielder a strong offer. However, the player’s hesitation reportedly created doubts within the Madrid camp.

Mourinho was blunt when asked about the club’s decision to miss out on the 30-year-old, who completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona in a deal worth €60 million plus €15 million in potential add-ons.

The Portuguese coach said Real Madrid need players who are completely convinced about joining the club and do not hesitate when presented with the opportunity.

Mourinho’s comments came after Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona ended a saga in which the midfielder had also been strongly linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Madrid coach indicated that he did not regret the outcome, saying the club has other midfield solutions and that he does not “miss” Rodri despite initially wanting the player.

Rodri’s decision represents a significant blow to Madrid’s hopes of adding one of the world’s premier holding midfielders to their squad. The Spaniard was particularly attractive to the club because of his experience, passing ability and leadership, while his contract situation at Manchester City made a transfer possible.

Instead, Rodri chose Barcelona, where he is expected to become an important part of the midfield and potentially fill the long-term leadership role once associated with Sergio Busquets.

The transfer also adds another layer to the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Catalan club securing a player who had been considered a priority target for their biggest domestic rival.

Mourinho, meanwhile, has made it clear that commitment is a key requirement for his Real Madrid project. His comments suggest that the club would rather move on to alternative targets than sign a player who is not fully convinced about wearing the famous white shirt.

The remarks are likely to add fuel to the debate surrounding Rodri’s decision, particularly after Barcelona completed a deal that took him away from both Manchester City and Madrid.