The old Mourinho is back: criticism of the refereeing
According to Mundodeportivo.
Context
José Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid after several seasons, seems to be recovering his former critical stance, especially in relation to refereeing. This behavior could influence the way the team performs in upcoming LaLiga EA Sports matches, reflecting the pressure they feel to obtain positive results.
Why this matters
José Mourinho's criticism of refereeing after the Madrid derby reopens debates about the influence of referees' decisions on results. This return to his combative style could impact Real Madrid's dynamics in LaLiga EA Sports, especially with the Clasico against Barcelona approaching. How Mourinho handles pressure and criticism could affect not only the team's morale, but also their approach to upcoming matches.
Main conclusions
- The old Mourinho is back: criticism of refereeing.
- José Mourinho recovered his critical tone towards referees after Atlético-Real Madrid (2-1), remembering the coach who left the club in 2013.
- The old Mourinho is back.
Eight games later — seven in La Liga and one in the Champions League — José Mourinho once again showed the face that many in Madrid know well. The derby with Atlético (2-1) reopened the combative Mourinho's case, distrustful of referees and ready to take up the microphone to question decisions. A record that goes directly back to the 2010–2013 period, his first spell at Real Madrid, when the press room was so often an extension of the game.
Until now, the Portuguese coach had displayed a more restrained profile, sometimes even defending the work of the refereeing. But signs of change appeared in recent days. In a moment that sounded like a warning, he said to the conference: “no questions about penalties?”, in an allusion to the recent penalties awarded in favor of Barcelona and Atlético. Then, after the meeting with Betis, he recovered his famous “whys”, publicly questioning the reason why Kylian Mbappé's wasted penalty was not repeated.
At Metropolitano, the metamorphosis was complete. Mourinho complained about the referee and, in a gesture full of symbolism, displayed a paper recording two plays in which, according to his reading, the Atlético players should have seen a red card. The conference had the tone of the old days: incisive, argumentative and focused on refereeing as a factor in the game.
It remains to be seen whether this tone is here to stay. The calendar now offers a pause for selections, which gives some space to cool down and readjust the speech. Real Madrid will compete again on October 10th, against Villarreal, in an important test to keep the team focused on the field after the noise off the field. But the highlight of the month is October 25th: a trip to Barcelona, in a Clásico that, in practice, serves as a litmus test for Mourinho's new era at the Bernabéu.
The collective memory in Madrid does not forget that the Portuguese coach's first stint was marked by maximum rivalry with Barcelona and several hot nights at conferences. The return of critical discourse can galvanize locker rooms and fans, but it also carries the risk of friction with the refereeing and competitive distraction. On the other hand, a more serene Mourinho had helped to stabilize the atmosphere at the start of the season.
Between the balance of his speech and his combative conviction, Mourinho seems to have chosen, at least for now, the path of public demand. October will provide answers: first, a traditionally uncomfortable Villarreal; then, the trip to the Montjuïc Olímpico to face Barcelona. The way the coach manages these weeks could dictate not only the narrative around Real Madrid but, above all, the team's competitive pulse in La Liga and the Champions League.
What happens next
With a break for international teams, Real Madrid will have time to reflect on Mourinho's recent performance and attitude. The next game, scheduled for October 10 against Villarreal, will be crucial to assess whether the coach will maintain his new critical approach or return to a more moderate tone. Expectations are high, especially with the Clásico in Barcelona being an important test of the club's LaLiga EA Sports ambitions.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid?
The result of the Madrid derby was 2-1 in favor of Real Madrid.
How does the result of the derby impact the LaLiga table?
The result of the derby could influence Real Madrid's position in the LaLiga table, but the specific impact is not mentioned in the article.
When is Real Madrid's next game?
Real Madrid's next game is on October 10th, against Villarreal.
What is the date of the next Classic
ico between Real Madrid and Barcelona?
The next Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona is scheduled for October 25th.
What did José Mourinho say about refereeing after the derby?
José Mourinho expressed criticism of the refereeing, questioning decisions and mentioning moves that should have resulted in red cards for Atlético players.