Mourinho responds to Fermin Lopez over refereeing complaints

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has responded to Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez's criticism of the club's complaints about refereeing, saying Madrid also had sources of frustration before the October 25 Clasico at Camp Nou.

Asked about Fermin's remarks at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho did not identify the incidents he found frustrating or make a specific new allegation. He said he began matches assuming the referee was good, while voicing concern about occasions when established rules were not followed.

Fermin had told Teledeporte that the recurring discussion of officials was becoming tiresome. He argued that Barcelona's results and performances deserved attention and said the players wanted to focus on football rather than disputes over refereeing.

Barcelona have 27 points after nine league wins, while Madrid have 21 points from seven wins and two losses. Mourinho praised Hansi Flick's side but said recent form would carry little weight in the encounter, including Barcelona's 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Fermin declined to call Barcelona favorites and identified Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois as opponents he would most like removed from Madrid's lineup. He praised Courtois' saves and Mbappe's ability, while stressing the need to contain Madrid collectively. Mourinho also praised Lamine Yamal but said respecting one player did not require changing the team's entire structure.