Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was a notable absentee at the annual meeting of Spain’s First and Second Division coaches on Monday.
The gathering, held at the City of Football in Las Rozas, is a common fixture on the calendar, bringing together managers from across the divisions once a year.
However, Mourinho was not in attendance, and neither were several of his high-profile counterparts, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Mourinho among several absentees
Mourinho’s absence had nothing to do with the fallout from the recent Madrid derby, despite the controversy that surrounded the fixture.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Mourinho’s absence was informed well in advance. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Portuguese had, in fact, excused himself from the meeting days in advance, citing personal scheduling reasons.
Real Madrid had been aware of his non-attendance for some time, meaning it came as no surprise on the day.
Mourinho was far from the only manager to give the meeting a miss.
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick were also among the many coaches who did not attend.
Refereeing remains a hot topic
The annual meeting, organised by the Coaches Committee, has in recent years been dominated by two recurring themes: economic problems and refereeing matters.
The financial issues, primarily stemming from some coaches not being paid, had long been a source of frustration.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho must find some answers during the international break. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
That particular problem is now understood to have been resolved following the involvement of La Liga, a development that came after Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed considerable anger over the matter.
The second issue, refereeing, continues to be a major talking point.
Despite efforts from the Federation and coaches to resolve the matter, including meetings between technicians and officials, the conflict remains very much alive.
That was evident once again this past weekend, with Mourinho and other coaches openly voicing their frustrations over the officiating.
For Mourinho, though, the focus will remain firmly on his own side during the international break.
Having overseen two key defeats that leave Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona, the Portuguese has plenty to work on as he looks to steer his team back on track when club football resumes against Villarreal on October 10.
Real Madrid midfielder’s barb at Atletico Madrid duo during derby duel: ‘With Messi, you talk a lot’
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images
Real Madrid are fresh off the back of a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid, where the team became a major victim of questionable refereeing calls.
Needless to say, the set of questionable calls, coupled with the result, frustrated most of the Real Madrid players, including Jude Bellingham.
The Englishman was involved in multiple spats with Atletico Madrid players, including their two Argentine stars, Cristian Romero and Giuliano Simeone.
What Bellingham told Romero and Simeone
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Bellingham had a spat with Romero. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
As revealed by Movistar+ (h/t MARCA), which captured several exchanges from the heated derby, Bellingham clashed repeatedly with the Atletico pair throughout the match.
The most eye-catching moment came during his running battle with Romero, when Bellingham appeared to reference old rivalries, Argentina having knocked England out in the semi-finals of the last World Cup.
“With Messi you talk a lot, here nothing,” Bellingham told the Argentine defender.
The exchange had begun with both players trading barbs. “You are a f***er,” the Englishman said, to which Romero responded: “Crybaby, you cried there.”
Bellingham’s confrontation with Romero was followed by another with Giuliano Simeone after a foul, with the two going head to head.
The Atletico man was explicit in his response, hurling an insult at Bellingham, who replied with a “**F*** you.**“
What’s next for Bellingham?
Away from the derby drama, Bellingham can reflect on what has been a hugely encouraging start to the season on a personal level, as we head into the international break.
The Englishman has rediscovered the form, thriving in a free attacking midfield role under Mourinho.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Bellingham will play a key role for Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He has already contributed two goals and two assists in the league, and has widely been regarded as one of the standout performers in an otherwise inconsistent side.
The international break now offers Bellingham a chance to feature for England before returning to club duty.
Mourinho will be hoping his talisman comes back fit and firing, particularly with Real Madrid needing to rediscover their rhythm.
Real Madrid’s next fixture comes against Villarreal on October 10, and Bellingham will once again be central to their hopes of closing the gap on Barcelona.