Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho promised that he would not be making any changes to his side in Monday's visit to play FC Barcelona in the Camp Nou stadium.
Madrid's visit to play Barcelona is the most eagerly awaited match of the season to date. Mourinho's men have a one point lead over their rivals at the top of the table and could open up a gap over the Catalans in case of a win.
Even a draw would be a good result for Real Madrid, who would then have the chance to face Barcelona in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium later in the season. That has prompted speculation that Mourinho could be tempted to introduce an extra central midfielder into his side at the expense of either Mesut Ozil or Gonzalo Higuain, but the Madrid coach insists he will not pick his side in virtue of his opponents.
"We won't change our working methods for Barcelona or any other team. We have the same respect for all our opponents. Barcelona may be better than other teams in La Liga, but we have the same respect for all and we always have to look for their weakest points," he said in declarations reproduced on the official Madrid website.
Despite the chance of his side opening as four point lead, Mourinho insisted that a win away to Barcelona would not mean his side were destined to win the title this year.
"It is obviously an important match because we will play against a direct opponent; the points we may end up taking will be points dropped by them. Nevertheless, whatever happens tomorrow, 25 league games will still remain," he said
Real Madrid are unbeaten since Mourinho's arrival during the summer, but the coach was again keen to rule out any idea of them being favorites, indeed the commented that he expects more important games this season.
"The Clasico isn't won by the team that's in better form or having a better run. The motivation for these games is different. It's hard for me to say I'm the favorite to win because I'm in a better position. I don't see it that way," said Mourinho. He added, that his experience was different.
"I don't have the same adrenaline rush I get in a Champions League knockout stage, in which failing to win implies you'll watch the next game at home on the TV," concluded the Madrid coach.