Gavi backs Mourinho’s outspoken approach before Barcelona’s Clasico

Gavi says he has no problem with Jose Mourinho’s forthright comments and enjoys facing managers with strong, passionate personalities.

The Barcelona midfielder was speaking to ESPN before Sunday’s Clasico against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou, with the match being played in the 10th round of La Liga.

Asked whether Mourinho’s remarks annoyed him, Gavi said: “No, honestly, I like it when he speaks. I like that type of manager.”

When asked if he was referring specifically to coaches known for their intensity and forceful character, the Spain midfielder replied: “Yes, I like that type of manager, and I also like facing Mourinho as an opponent. I respect him a lot, so his comments do not bother me at all.”

Gavi’s comments underline his appreciation for the competitive edge Mourinho brings to matches. Rather than being unsettled by the Real Madrid manager’s public statements, he said he welcomed the chance to come up against a coach whose personality is so prominent.

Focusing on Flic’s demands

Gavi also described how Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick responds when preparations do not follow the planned schedule.

“Flick is affected a lot when things do not go according to the team’s plan,” said Gavi. “For example, when we had to stay in Seville because of the weather, he was extremely annoyed, because he is very German in that respect and does not like things to go outside the plan.”

The 20-year-old added that Flick places particular importance on the players’ condition before major matches and wants the squad to be fully prepared.

“He cares a lot about the players and always wants everyone to be 100% ready, and to receive enough care and rest,” Gavi said.

The Barcelona midfielder said the team had faced a heavy physical and mental workload in recent days, but accepted that the demands were part of the season.

“As he said over the last few days, we have suffered a lot of physical and mental fatigue, but we have to adapt to it because we are playing successive matches with short intervals between them,” he said. “That is the nature of football and the season.”

Gavi believes a lack of recovery time is the issue that concerns Flick most.

“I think what affects him the most is that the players do not get enough rest,” he added.

Barcelona’s meeting with Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou will put those preparations to the test, with Gavi expecting the intensity surrounding the fixture to match the personalities of the managers involved.