Carles Puyol, Barcelona legend
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has conceded that the return of Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu could make Real Madrid a significantly more formidable opponent this season.
However, the legendary defender remained steadfast in his belief that the reigning La Liga champions, bolstered by the high-profile arrival of Rodri, are hungry to secure yet another league title.
Speaking on Tuesday during a video conference with international media outlets, organized by ESPN to promote their La Liga coverage in the US, Puyol offered a candid assessment of the power dynamics in Spanish football.
The conversation comes at a pivotal moment, with the 2026/27 season looming and the historic rivalry between the two giants set to reignite under familiar yet evolved circumstances.
Puyol on Mourinho return
Puyol, who anchored the Barcelona defence during the height of the Guardiola-Mourinho era, acknowledged the tactical steel the Portuguese manager brings back to the capital.
Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez of Real Madrid
Back at Real Madrid. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
“With Mourinho, they can be even stronger,” Puyol admitted, as quoted by AS, referencing Real Madrid’s potential resurgence.
Reflecting on his personal history with the ‘Special One’, Puyol traced their relationship back to Mourinho’s stint as a translator and assistant at Barcelona during the late 90s.
“We’re talking about a great coach,” Puyol said. “I met him at Barcelona when I was in the youth academy and I moved up to the first team.
“We could already see that he knew a lot about football. Then he built a great career and went on to join Real Madrid. We were at a very strong point in our careers; I remember a great rivalry.”
That rivalry, defined by the fierce Clasicos of 2010-2013, remains a benchmark for intensity in world football.
“In those years, aside from Guardiola and Mourinho, and Messi and Cristiano, they were two great teams,” he observed. “We’ll see how they do.”
Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Looking to turn the tide. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Confidence in Barcelona
Despite his praise for Real Madrid’s managerial appointment, Puyol’s confidence in his former club remains unshaken.
He singled out the addition of Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder who recently completed his blockbuster move to Catalonia, after snubbing real Madrid, as the engine that will drive Barcelona’s competitive edge.
“I still think Barcelona has a very good team and will be able to have a good season,” Puyol asserted, highlighting the squad’s motivation to go for another league title.
As the new campaign approaches, Puyol’s comments set the stage for a fascinating battle: the disciplined strength of Mourinho’s Real Madrid against Hansi Flick’s champions energized by their new midfield general.
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Making an impression under Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Set to start vs Espanyol. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)