Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has sensationally hinted that Barcelona wanted to sign Merengues defender Pepe.
The former Chelsea Coach has held his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Celta Vigo, and was inevitably asked about the ongoing controversy surrounding the suggestion that Barca have compiled videos of Pepe committing fouls on their players.
“I know nothing about a video of Pepe. I do know that while he was renewing his contract two big clubs pushed for him not to renew. I do not know if one of those big clubs was the one who recorded a video.”
No less than seven players have returned to Valdebebas injured after the international break, with the defence particularly undermanned. Marcelo, Fabio Coentrao, Raphael Varane and Alvaro Arbeloa will all miss out versus Vigo.
“It's not easy to accept the injured players situation. Before the international break they were all at their best. It would not be a surprise if we lost some other players in the next few days.
“We have some different choices to cover our positions, people that will adapt to the situation. It's a perfect day for you to give me the line-up..” Mourinho joked with the assembled journalists.
The speculation has been that young Real Madrid Castilla defender Nacho will fill the troublesome left back berth.
“I've thought of Nacho at left back of course, but he's just another one. I've already decided who will play there. Just a couple of minutes after the national matches ended I had decided who would start.”
The tactician saw no merit in comparing Barca and Real's respective styles.
“It doesn't make sense. You can Barca with Arsenal, they have similar styles, but not with us. You could compare Borussia Dortmund with Real.”
Mourinho added that Los Blancos have no option but to win against Celta, and complimented Paco Herrera's outfit for their style of play.
“The play with one striker, another behind him, and two wingers, they are a good side.”
