This is THE match that all of Spain is waiting for, even the entire football world. The Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is always a special moment in La Liga. Without necessarily designating the future winner of the championship, even if it necessarily offers psychological influence and prestige, this meeting is what is best. It is also a big pressure on the shoulders of the two coaches, and in particular on that of Mourinho. The latter is preparing to return to Camp Nou 13 years later.
His position is not really in danger, even in the event of defeat. It’s still too early. On the other hand, losing a Clásico has an impact on the future. There will be repercussions in the media and in the eyes of the supporters. He will lose a little credibility, even though Real Madrid has been showing improvement in recent matches. He will have the most to lose on Sunday (9 p.m.) since the Merengues are already 6 points behind the Catalan leader. A new defeat would seriously jeopardize the title chances at the end of the season.
The Clásico decides the future of coaches
For the moment, José Mourinho enjoys the full support of Madrid management, even if Mundo Deportivo reports from some sources that Didier Deschamps would be a possible replacement in the longer term. Above all, the recent history of Clásicos has taken its toll on Real’s coaches. At the very beginning of the year, Xabi Alonso, whom the locker room only partially supported, lost his job after the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barça.
In 2018, Julen Lopetegui also had to give up after a series of bad results (draw against Atlético Madrid, defeats against Alavés and Levante) following a 5-1 rout at Barcelona. Two years earlier, Rafa Benítez’s side suffered a 4-0 humiliation at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing their future. He never recovered and was sacked a few weeks later. More recently, Ancelotti lost the Copa del Rey final and saw this as a trigger. It was time to leave. Mourinho is warned.
