Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has once again criticised the handling of the Negreira case involving FC Barcelona, drawing comparisons with the biggest refereeing scandal in Italian football.
Speaking to Prime Video Italia (h/t MARCA) ahead of Real Madrid’s match against AS Roma, the Portuguese coach expressed his frustration that the Spanish case has yet to produce any consequences.
“I will tell you just one thing: congratulations to the Italians. Do you know why? Because it is the only country where Calciopoli was actually treated as Calciopoli,” Mourinho began.
“In Spain, what happened, and everyone knows what happened, and it seems that things are still not quite right. So far, nothing has happened. Nothing has happened.”
Asked whether he expected the case to progress, Mourinho was equally direct.
“If nothing happens, it is perhaps the biggest refereeing corruption scandal in the world,” he declared.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Mourinho compared the Negreira case to Calciopoli scandal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Mourinho points to the punishment imposed after Calciopoli
Mourinho was referring to Calciopoli, the major scandal that rocked Italian football in 2006.
The investigation uncovered a system involving the manipulation of refereeing appointments that compromised the integrity of the competition. Luciano Moggi, then Juventus general manager, was the central figure in the affair.
The sporting authorities imposed severe sanctions. Juventus were relegated to Serie B, stripped of their 2005 and 2006 Serie A titles and deducted points.
Other clubs, including AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina, also received punishments. Moggi was subsequently convicted in the ordinary courts.
Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president, Joan Laporta, Barcelona president
Real Madrid and Barcelona are at war. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
By invoking Calciopoli, Mourinho highlighted the contrast between the decisive action taken in Italy and what he sees as the lack of an equivalent response in Spain.
Real Madrid maintain pressure over the Negreira case
Mourinho’s comments reflect Real Madrid’s continued stance on the Negreira case, which concerns payments made by Barcelona to José Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s refereeing committee.
The Spanish capital club believe the case has not received the response that, in their view, a comparable scandal would have prompted in Italy.
Real Madrid continue to place their hopes in UEFA taking action where they believe the Spanish authorities have failed to deliver the necessary consequences.
Journalist names Arsenal star as the only viable midfield target for Real Madrid for January
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
It has been reported recently that Real Madrid have already started looking into the transfer market to solve their problems in midfield.
After missing out on Rodri in the summer, the club are keen on signing world class midfielder, who can emerge as a replacement for Toni Kroos.
The team has simply lacked the stability in the middle of the park, so signing a new defensive midfielder could take precedence over other things.
Martin Zubimendi the only option?
According to journalist Joaquin Maroto (h/t Defensa Central), heading into the January transfer window, Real Madrid may have only one viable option in the transfer market right now in Martin Zubimendi.
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Zubimendi was a target for Real Madrid last summer. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The former Real Sociedad starlet was linked with a move to the Spanish capital last year before he eventually joined Arsenal.
But his move to Arsenal hasn’t worked out yet, with the player falling behind in the pecking order. This has led to speculation over his future, with Real Madrid emerging as a potential destination.
Maroto also ruled out a move for Adam Wharton, Real Madrid’s other target, adding that the Crystal Palace star is not leaving the club anytime soon.
Can Real Madrid sign Zubimendi in January?
Maroto does reveal that Jose Mourinho is going to request the signing of a new midfielder at Real Madrid.
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Zubimendi has struggled with a lack of game-time at Arsenal. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
But what happens in the upcoming January transfer window remains to be seen. Maroto believes there is a higher possibility of Zubimendi leaving Arsenal in January, due to his standing in the team.
The former Real Sociedad star has featured in less than 200 minutes of competitive action this season, so it won’t be surprising to see him finding a solution for his future in January. His current contract at Emirates expires in the summer of 2030.
A lot depends on whether or not Real Madrid themselves will make a move to sign the Spaniard, as they desperately look for a midfielder who can play the ball out from the back.