Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes that Jose Mourinho taking the helm could make Real Madrid stronger, but he also emphasized that Barcelona is desperate to win La Liga again.

Speaking in a video conference with multiple international media outlets hosted by ESPN, Puyol said: "We're talking about a great manager, Jose Mourinho. I saw him when I was in Barcelona's youth academy before I was promoted to the first team. It was clear even then that he had a deep understanding of football. Later, he built a brilliant managerial career, and when he took charge of Real Madrid during our most intense rivalry, I still remember that fierce competition."

"Back then we had Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and both teams were very strong. In my view right now, Barcelona have a very good team and can have a great season. But with Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid could become even stronger."

Puyol also praised Hansi Flick's management style at Barcelona and the team's high defensive line, saying: "I like to play with a high defensive line, but it requires not just the defenders but the entire team to be involved. If there's no pressure on the player with the ball, it will create many problems."

He continued: "Rodri's arrival is excellent news for Barcelona. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. I was fortunate to see him play at the World Cup and I have great respect for him. He can bring a strong balance to the team and is a perfect fit for Barcelona's style of play."

He added: "He proved it with the Spanish national team and at Manchester City under Guardiola. He will be of great help to Barcelona. This position is very important, and now Barcelona's midfield will be much stronger."

Puyol also commented on Busquets' return as a Barcelona youth academy coach. He said: "I was a bit surprised by this because I thought he would need more time before starting a coaching career. But it seems this is his destiny. He can bring a lot tactically to the youth academy and has rich experience. He is an excellent leader and an outstanding captain. Gaining experience at this stage will be very beneficial for him."

Puyol took the opportunity to express support for his former teammate Lionel Messi, who has been going through a difficult time following his father's death. Puyol said: "Leo, stay strong and maintain a good mindset. I've already told him personally. We all love him and will be there for him and his family."

He went on: "I was amazed by what he achieved at 39 years old. He is an undisputed leader, and Argentina reached the World Cup final because of Lionel Messi. Argentina's performances were inconsistent throughout the tournament. But in the final thirty minutes of every match, Leo always controlled the situation. Even in the final, which Spain actually played better in. They also created very threatening chances in those final minutes."

He added: "For me, he is the greatest in history and a role model for all young players at the beginning of their careers."

The former defender also recalled his favorite El Clásico, the 2009 match where Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 6-2 and essentially clinched the La Liga title. He said: "I played in many El Clásicos, but the 6-2 match is the most unforgettable one for me."

He continued: "It was a very tough season and Guardiola's first year managing us. We had a good first half of the season, but Real Madrid was closing the gap. With four matches remaining, we were four points behind, and that big victory essentially gave us the title."

Puyol also said he supports La Liga matches being played outside Spain. He said: "There has been discussion for years about playing matches overseas. While it's always difficult for the home team to lose, it's also an opportunity for fans following our competition to watch live. If the clubs and La Liga decide to do it, I think it's a good idea."

Puyol emphasized that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has everything needed for Spain to win another World Cup and Barcelona to claim more titles, but he must stay focused on football.

He said: "There is a lot of outside noise about Lamine Yamal. What I see is a calm, competitive, and humble kid. I see him as a competitive player, but I need to make him understand that even though he has already won a World Cup and important titles, he still needs to improve and work to add more trophies to the hall of fame."

He concluded: "Spain has everything they need. This is a very young team with a very bright future. Winning one World Cup is already a great achievement, and winning two would be incredible. If there is a generation of players capable of doing this, it's this current group. That's what I want to encourage them to do."

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