According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, October 26, 2026, José Mourinho has explained how he instructed Eduardo Camavinga to attack the spaces behind Barcelona’s defence, highlighting the importance of midfield runs in breaking down Hansi Flick’s tactical setup.
Mourinho revealed that he told the French midfielder to make forward runs into open spaces, believing that midfielders could be more effective than attackers in finding gaps in Barcelona’s organised defence.
“I told Camavinga, go and attack the space,” Mourinho said.
The Portuguese manager explained that Barcelona’s defensive structure makes it difficult for opposing attackers to find space behind the backline. He praised the team’s defensive preparation, noting that its players are trained to anticipate forward movements.
“It’s difficult for any attackers to attack space against Barcelona, the only solution is to do it with your midfielders,” he explained.
Mourinho also pointed out that attackers often struggle to exploit these spaces because Barcelona’s defenders are prepared for their movements. As a result, forwards can be caught offside, while goalkeeper Joan García can intercept passes played behind the defence.
“When your attackers do it, Barca’s defense is prepared and coached for that, and your attackers end up being offside, or the pass ends up being cut by Joan Garcia,” he said.
The former Real Madrid manager believes that midfielders making forward runs provide a better way to challenge Barcelona’s defensive organisation. Rather than relying only on forwards to stretch the backline, teams can use players arriving from deeper positions to create openings.
Mourinho specifically identified Camavinga and Jude Bellingham as players capable of making these runs and causing problems for Barcelona.
“The solution is to use midfielders like Camavinga and Bellingham to break that line, and it worked,” he added.
His comments highlight the importance of timing and movement when facing a defence that is well prepared to stop conventional attacks. By encouraging Camavinga and Bellingham to attack open spaces, Mourinho aimed to disrupt Barcelona’s defensive shape and create opportunities to get behind the backline.
