Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said Tuesday he considers his squad complete despite missing out on Rodri, who later joined Barcelona.
Madrid have signed six players this summer, including record arrival Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella, but have made no further midfield addition following the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
“In my head the squad is closed, closed, and I have not asked for anyone. I am very happy with the players I have,” Mourinho said, while acknowledging that circumstances could change before the transfer window closes.
Madrid opened their La Liga campaign with a late 2-1 win at Espanyol, starting Bernardo and Federico Valverde in midfield.
Mourinho confirmed Aurelien Tchouameni will miss Wednesday’s game against Real Sociedad as he continues recovering from a fitness problem.
“You can’t start in August not at 100 percent,” Mourinho said, explaining that the club wants Tchouameni fully recovered before his return.
He also backed Valverde as a central midfielder, despite his versatility in other positions.
“For me he is a player for the centre of the pitch,” Mourinho said, adding that modern football requires fluid roles rather than rigid distinctions between No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10 positions.