Mourinho can raise Real Madrid level, says Puyol as Rodri hailed by Barcelona great

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes Jose Mourinho’s arrival could make Real Madrid “stronger”, while describing Rodri’s move to Barcelona as “very good news” for the Catalan club.

Speaking to international media, including the Spanish news agency EFE, during a video call organised by ESPN, Puyol said Barcelona would remain highly motivated to win another La Liga title but warned that Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid could alter the balance between the two rivals.

“We are talking about a great coach,” said Puyol. “I met him at Barcelona when I was in the youth academy, and then I moved into the first team. It was clear to us at that time that he had a great knowledge of football.

“After that, he built a wonderful career and joined Real Madrid. We were at the height of our rivalry, and I remember that intense competition.”

Puyol recalled the era when Pep Guardiola and Mourinho led Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the centre of the rivalry.

“In those years, with Guardiola and Mourinho, Messi and Cristiano, they were two great teams. We will see how they perform,” he said.

“I still believe that Barcelona have a very good squad and will be capable of having a good season. But Real Madrid with Mourinho could become stronger.”

Puyol praises Rodri and Flick

Puyol also praised the work of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, particularly his use of a high defensive line.

“I like playing with a high defensive line,” said the former Spain defender. “It requires commitment not only from the defenders, because if there is no pressure on the player with the ball, they will create many problems.”

He welcomed the arrival of Rodri, describing the Spain international as one of the best midfielders in the world.

“Rodri joining Barcelona is very good news,” Puyol said. “He is one of the best midfielders in the world. I had the chance to watch him play live at the World Cup, and I admire him a lot.

“He gives teams a great balance and fits perfectly with Barcelona’s style of play. He has proved that with Spain and with Manchester City under Guardiola. He will help us a lot. He is a pivotal player, and now Barcelona’s midfield will become much stronger.”

Puyol also welcomed Sergio Busquets’ return to Barcelona, where he has taken up a coaching role in the youth academy.

“It surprised me because I thought he would take a little longer before getting involved in work, but perhaps this was meant to be,” he said. “He can help the youth academy a lot tactically, as well as through his extensive experience.

“He is a great leader and an exceptional captain. Gaining experience during this period will be very useful for him.”

Support for Messi

Puyol used the interview to send a message of support to his former team-mate Messi, who is dealing with difficult circumstances following the death of his father.

“Leo, stay strong and keep your spirits high,” said Puyol. “I told him that privately. We all love him and stand by him and his family.”

He also expressed his admiration for what Messi has achieved at the age of 39.

“I find what he has achieved at 39 incredible,” Puyol said. “He is the undisputed leader, and if Argentina reached the World Cup final, it was because of Messi, because Argentina’s performances were not consistent.

“But in the final 30 minutes of every match, Leo was in control, even in the final, when Spain were the better team. They had chances in the final minutes and were very dangerous.

“For me, he is the best in history and a role model for all young players at the beginning of their careers.”

Puyol identified Barcelona’s 6-2 victory over Real Madrid in 2009 as his favourite Clasico. The result effectively secured the league title for Barcelona during Guardiola’s first season in charge.

“I was fortunate to play in many Clasicos, but the 6-2 match is the one that remains in my memory,” he said.

“It was a very difficult season and Guardiola’s first year with us. The first half of the campaign was very good, but Real Madrid were closing the gap. We were four points behind with four matches remaining, and we produced an incredible victory that practically gave us the league title.”

La Liga matches abroad

Puyol also backed the idea of staging La Liga matches outside Spain, saying it would give supporters around the world the chance to watch the competition in person.

“There has been talk for many years about playing matches abroad,” he said. “It is difficult for teams to lose a home match, but it is an opportunity for fans who follow our competition to enjoy it live.

“If the clubs and La Liga decide to do it, I think it is a good idea.”

He finished by discussing Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who he believes has the qualities to help Spain win another World Cup and Barcelona claim a number of trophies.

“There is a lot of news about Lamine,” Puyol said. “I see him as calm, competitive and humble. He is a competitive player, but we need to make him understand that he has won a World Cup and important trophies, but he must continue developing as a player and aim to add more titles to his collection.

“Spain have everything they need. They are a very young team and their future is bright. Winning one World Cup is a great achievement; winning two would be unbelievable.

“If there is a generation capable of doing that, it is this generation. That is what I will try to motivate them to achieve.”