Fati predicts fierce La Liga title race as Mourinho returns to Real Madrid

Ansu Fati says La Liga is set for an especially competitive season, with Barcelona attempting to build a strong squad and Real Madrid strengthening after the return of Jose Mourinho.

Fati, who has completed a permanent move from Barcelona to Monaco, believes the rivalry between the Spanish clubs will be intensified by Real Madrid’s determination to respond after Barcelona’s success in recent years.

“Real Madrid are also signing good players and have many outstanding players. Mourinho has also returned to the team, so I think the league will be extremely competitive,” Fati told AS.

“Real Madrid are coming with resentment because Barcelona have won throughout these years. We will see what happens, but Barcelona are building a strong team, and many of the players have known each other for years. That is also important for creating a good group.”

The forward suggested Barcelona could still add significant quality to their squad, although he said it was impossible to predict exactly how the transfer market would develop.

“Barcelona with Gordon and Adeyemi and perhaps Rodri? In football, nobody can know. Things change from one year to the next. There are two or three years when one team is better than the other,” he said.

Fati, who spent several years at Barcelona, has now begun preparations for the new campaign with Monaco. He said he was pleased with his new surroundings, particularly because the weather reminded him of his former home.

“I am very happy here. The weather is similar to Barcelona, and we are now in pre-season. There are a lot of training sessions in the hot weather as we prepare for the start of the French league,” he said.

The 23-year-old admitted that leaving Barcelona brought mixed emotions after his long association with the club and its academy, La Masia.

“When I signed for Monaco, I felt sadness and happiness. I spent many years at Barcelona and leave behind many friends and people who work at La Masia,” he said.

“Everyone sent me messages and stayed in contact with me, and I also said goodbye to them. The first days were sad, but that is life. We have to accept what comes and continue looking forward.”

Fati also praised Monaco for the way the club had supported him since his arrival. He said the confidence shown in him had encouraged him to work hard to contribute to the team.

“Because of the confidence Monaco showed in my abilities, the wonderful way they welcomed me and the treatment I received from everyone, I tried to give my best so I could help the team, and I think I did that,” he said.

The former Barcelona player was also asked about the debate over the Ballon d’Or following the World Cup. Several high-profile players were discussed, including Rodri, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

“After the World Cup, many players entered the discussion about who deserved the Ballon d’Or. Rodri? Messi? Mbappe? As a forward, I will always choose a forward, but I think Rodri had an excellent World Cup,” said Fati.

“Messi also broke records for goals and assists. Mbappe had an incredible World Cup as well and was the tournament’s top scorer.”

He added that the contest would be particularly difficult this year because Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal had also emerged as a serious contender.

“This year it is extremely difficult. Lamine Yamal is also in the competition. He has become a champion, so we will see,” Fati said.