Cucurella says Mourinho ‘surprised’ him and refuses to boast about Yamal clash

Marc Cucurella says he will not take pride in his exchanges with Lamine Yamal during the most recent El Clasico, despite the Barcelona forward having said he would “eat” him before the match.

The Real Madrid star was asked about the encounter during an interview with the programme El Partidazo on COPE radio, but said he had no desire to prolong the discussion or celebrate his performance against Yamal.

“I have nothing to say,” Cucurella said. “I do not like talking too much or boasting. I prefer to remain quiet and do my job.

“I played a good match, and I am certain I will face him in many more games in the future. I will suffer against him, while he will receive the praise.”

Cucurella was also asked whether his team had changed the way it played after a difficult start to the season.

“At the beginning, we did not have enough preparation for the season, and we had a new coach. We were barely able to train,” he said.

“Do we run more now? I do not know. Perhaps we are choosing the right moments better, or playing with less distance between the lines. That gives the impression that we are beasts, but I think we have not changed many things.”

The defender also spoke about his view of Jose Mourinho, saying the manager had made a different impression on him from the one he had expected.

“My image of him was different, but in a positive way,” Cucurella said. “He is very close to the players and a great person. He likes talking a lot.

“He does not need to give you a 30-minute lecture. In five minutes, he tells you everything you need to know.”

Cucurella was then asked about a tattoo showing Luis de la Fuente, the Spain manager. He said he did not regret having it, but had decided against getting any further tattoos.

“I do not regret it, but I will not get any more tattoos,” he said. “I have decided to stay away from those things.”

He added that Mourinho had sent him a photograph of his chest after getting a tattoo of the Portuguese manager’s face.

The conversation also turned to the criticism Cucurella received in Germany.

“I do not know,” he said. “They put the blame on me, and I know that I cannot play in Germany.”