Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has praised José Mourinho ahead of the Portuguese manager’s return to the Real Madrid dugout, describing him as a great coach.
Puyol, who experienced the intense Barcelona–Real Madrid rivalry during Mourinho’s first spell in Spain, acknowledged the Portuguese manager’s quality and influence in football.
The former Barcelona captain also believes Mourinho’s return could make Real Madrid stronger.
Speaking ahead of the new La Liga season, Puyol said Barcelona have a very good team and can have a successful campaign, but acknowledged that Real Madrid remain one of their biggest rivals.
Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this summer after the club appointed him to lead a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The appointment has immediately increased expectations surrounding the Madrid side, particularly because Barcelona have won the previous two La Liga titles.
Puyol’s comments are notable because of the history between Mourinho and Barcelona during the early 2010s, when the rivalry between the two clubs reached extraordinary levels of intensity.
The former defender also praised Barcelona’s current squad and highlighted the importance of the club’s summer addition of Rodri.
The Spanish midfielder joined Barcelona from Manchester City in a €75 million deal after Real Madrid had also expressed interest in signing him.
Puyol’s assessment adds another layer to what promises to be a fascinating La Liga season, with Mourinho’s Real Madrid attempting to reclaim the domestic title from Flick’s Barcelona.