Mourinho tells reporters: ‘I am not stupid’ as Real Madrid prepare for El Clasico

Jose Mourinho has refused to reveal Real Madrid’s plans for Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona, while dismissing suggestions that a new beard could bring him luck.

The Portuguese manager used a series of sarcastic answers at his pre-match news conference before the La Liga meeting at Spotify Camp Nou, which comes in the 10th round of the Spanish league season.

Mourinho also defended Real Madrid against what he considers excessive criticism, while arguing that Barcelona have received too much praise in comparison.

“If people thought a week ago that we would suffer a heavy defeat, they will continue to think that,” he said. “The good things people say about Barcelona do not affect me. It has nothing to do with me.”

The Real Madrid manager said Barcelona deserved recognition when they produced high-quality performances, but insisted his own side were still at the beginning of their development.

“We are looked at as a complete team, and that is extremely difficult in football, but we have not reached that stage yet,” Mourinho said. “We have worked for only three months. During pre-season, players were joining every week, and then came the international break.”

He added: “We are still in the early stages. The manager is getting to know the players, analysing their performances and deciding how we should work, while the players are learning his ideas.

“Because of that, I do not think it is fair to compare a team at this stage with another that has been settled for years.”

Mourinho was also asked about the beard he had grown in recent days and whether it was a source of good fortune.

“There is no superstition involved at all,” he replied. “Do I look bad with the beard? Should I change it?”

He then said he was among the few people in football who did not believe in superstitions.

The manager was unwilling to offer any information about his tactics or starting line-up for the Clasico.

“I will not answer that question. It is better to ask another one,” Mourinho said. “I will not talk about tactics, players or the line-up.”

He responded in similar fashion when questioned about Real Madrid’s defensive weaknesses and whether the team might adopt a more attacking approach.

“You are clever, but I am not stupid!” Mourinho told the journalist.