Mourinho Admits Playing Valverde at Right-Back Pains Him Ahead of El Clasico

Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn on his El Clasico team selection on Wednesday night, but he could not hide his feelings about one of the biggest tactical calls of the season. Asked whether Federico Valverde will start at right-back against Barcelona on Sunday, the Real Madrid head coach praised the recent performances of the Uruguayan while admitting that deploying him out of position pains him. It was a classic Mourinho press conference, full of deflection, honesty and mind games, and the LiveScore report on the press conference captured every twist of the exchange after the 4-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

Mourinho Valverde Right Back El Clasico October 2026: What Happened

Speaking to reporters after the 4-1 victory at the Bernabeu, Mourinho was asked directly whether Valverde will occupy the right-back role at Camp Nou on Sunday October 25. His answer was a masterclass in saying plenty while confirming nothing.

The coach declined to discuss the lineup for Sunday but said Valverde had put in a good performance. He then went further, offering a strikingly honest assessment of the tactical dilemma: “Playing Fede as a right-back is something that pains me, because it means leaving out two players who naturally occupy this position.” The remark was a reference to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, the two specialist right-backs in the squad.

Valverde has started the last two matches at right-back, the 4-1 league win over Sevilla and the 4-1 Champions League victory against Leipzig. The experiment began during the comeback win at Roma on October 14, and the energy, defensive discipline and attacking thrust of the Uruguayan down the flank have made the role his own in recent weeks.

Key Moments From the Pain Admission to Courtois Dodged Question and Valverde Last Two Starts at Right Back

The admission about the pain of the decision was the headline, but the context matters. Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries are both natural right-backs signed to play exactly this role, yet both have been watching from the bench while a central midfielder does their job. The honesty of Mourinho about the difficulty of the call will have been noted by all three players.

The coach also dodged a question about where Thibaut Courtois ranks among the goalkeepers he has managed. “I have never spoken about my own players,” Mourinho said, before offering a remarkable anecdote. “When Courtois joined us at Chelsea, about 20 years old, he ended up playing as a starter even though Petr Cech was then the best goalkeeper in the history of the Premier League.” It was high praise disguised as deflection, and another example of Mourinho protecting his players in public.

Background and Context on the Right Back Dilemma With Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries Signed for the Role

The right-back dilemma is one of several selection puzzles facing Mourinho ahead of Sunday. The performances of Valverde in the role have been excellent, but using a world-class central midfielder at full-back weakens the midfield at the same time as it strengthens the defence. Against the wide attackers of Barcelona, the defensive solidity of Valverde could be decisive, yet the loss of his energy in the middle of the pitch is a real cost.

Alexander-Arnold arrived with a reputation as one of the most creative full-backs in world football, while Dumfries offers power and athleticism. Both will feel they deserve to start the biggest game of the season in their natural position. The comment from Mourinho that the decision “pains” him was perhaps designed to keep both players motivated while signalling that the form of Valverde makes him undroppable.

The mind games with Barcelona have already begun. By refusing to confirm the lineup, Mourinho forces Hansi Flick to prepare for multiple possibilities, and the uncertainty over the right-back slot is just one of several tactical questions the Catalans must answer.

What the Mourinho Valverde Right Back Decision Means for Valverde, the Specialist Full Backs and the Title Race

For Valverde, the public praise is another sign of his importance to this Real Madrid team. The Uruguayan has become one of the most trusted players of Mourinho, capable of performing at the highest level in multiple positions. Starting at right-back in El Clasico would be a remarkable show of faith.

For Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries, the situation is frustrating. Both were signed to solve the right-back position, yet both are currently behind a midfielder in the pecking order. Their response in training this week could yet influence the final decision.

For the title race, the selection matters enormously. Barcelona lead LaLiga with 27 points, six ahead of third-placed Madrid, and the result on Sunday could either blow the race open or put the Catalans nine points clear. Every tactical detail will be scrutinised.

What Next With El Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday October 25 at 21:00 CET and the Pre Match Briefing

El Clasico kicks off at 21:00 CET on Sunday October 25 at Camp Nou. Mourinho will hold his pre-match press conference in the coming days, where the questions about Valverde, Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries will be asked again. Whether the coach offers any more clues remains to be seen.

Key Facts on Mourinho Valverde Right Back Role, the Roma Start on October 14 and Barcelona League Lead

Detail	Information
Fixture	Barcelona vs Real Madrid, El Clasico, LaLiga Matchday 10
Date and venue	Sunday October 25, 2026, Camp Nou, 21:00 CET
Mourinho quote	Declined to discuss the lineup for Sunday; said Valverde had put in a good performance
Key admission	“Playing Fede as a right-back is something that pains me, because it means leaving out two players who naturally occupy this position”
Specialist right-backs	Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, both currently benched
Valverde at right-back	Started the last two games there: Sevilla 4-1 and RB Leipzig 4-1
Role began	The comeback win at Roma on October 14
League context	Barcelona top with 27 points; Real Madrid third on 21

Conclusion on Mourinho Honesty About Valverde Dilemma Without Giving Away the El Clasico Lineup

Mourinho gave nothing away about his El Clasico lineup, but his honesty about the Valverde dilemma spoke volumes. The Uruguayan has earned the shirt with two superb performances at right-back, yet the coach clearly feels the weight of leaving two specialists on the bench. On Sunday at Camp Nou, the decision will be judged by 90 minutes of football.