Real Madrid legend Guti backs Mourinho’s project and sends clear message about Rodri: ‘Give them time’ | OneFootball

There is palpable excitement surrounding Real Madrid this season following the return of Jose Mourinho as manager in the summer.

The Portuguese tactician has been tasked with bringing silverware back to the Santiago Bernabeu, and he has enjoyed a mixed start to the campaign.

Madrid icon Guti has urged patience with Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid, insisting he remains excited by the direction of the project despite an uneven start to the season.

Guti believes Los Blancos deserve time

Speaking to Cadena SER, the former Madrid midfielder discussed Mourinho, the derby controversy, Rodri and the Ballon d’Or race.

“I am excited. I am excited about Mou’s arrival and the signings,” Guti said.

“You have to give them time. It isn’t easy; there are a lot of new signings, there is a new coach, you have to give them time. I think what Madrid need is calm and patience.”

Guti’s words feel particularly relevant after the defeats away to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid. Mourinho is integrating several new players while attempting to create an identity for this team.

Guti is positive about Mourinho’s project at Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He also addressed the refereeing controversy surrounding the Atletico defeat. While Guti felt important decisions influenced the result, he refused to get dragged into the narrative that the referees were deliberately working against Madrid.

“No, I don’t think so,” he said when asked directly whether referees were against the club.

Guti feels Real Madrid will not miss Rodri

Guti also discussed Madrid’s failure to sign Rodri in the summer, with the midfielder ending up joining Barcelona.

“I would have liked it, but in the end it was his decision,” Guti said.

“I’m sure he’s happy at Barcelona, but I think Real Madrid have a great team. I don’t think they will miss Rodri.”

Madrid’s midfield have faced scrutiny over their control and creativity this season. Amid all that, it is quite interesting that Guti does not think Los Blancos missed out on Rodri.

Guti backs Kylian Mbappe for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Guti also made his preference clear in the Ballon d’Or race.

“I think it will be between Harry Kane, Mbappe and Rodri,” he said.

“I want Mbappe to win it because he plays for Real Madrid. But it could be Rodri.”

Interestingly, Guti chose to leave out Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona superstar, from his list of Ballon d’Or candidates.

As Guti puts it, Mourinho will know that Madrid are a work in progress, and the three-week international break gives them a chance to improve in the coming months.