Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid do not seem to be too far away from drama at any point this season, and last night’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal played out along similar lines.
Jose Mourinho unexpectedly cancelled his post-match press conference following Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Inigo Perez’s side.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Portuguese manager decided against speaking to journalists after a tense evening at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho’s decision to remain silent
Mourinho feared that his frustration with the refereeing could lead to a suspension before the upcoming Clasico against Barcelona.
“I want to be there against Sevilla and Barca,” Mourinho told club officials when explaining his decision.
The Madrid coach was visibly agitated throughout the Villarreal encounter, with Vinicius’ red card adding to an already tense atmosphere.
His frustration intensified following the Brazilian’s red card, with Madrid forced to protect their slender lead with 10 men against 11.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. was shown a red card minutes after coming on against Villarreal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Rather than risk making comments that could attract disciplinary punishment, Mourinho seems to have chosen to avoid the press conference entirely.
His priority is to remain available on the touchline for Madrid’s important upcoming fixtures, particularly the Clasico at the Camp Nou.
The decision has drawn comparisons with Mourinho’s first spell at Madrid, where his confrontational relationship with the media frequently generated controversy.
During that period, he occasionally delegated press duties to assistant coach Aitor Karanka and refused to answer certain journalists.
His outspoken approach has always been one of his strengths, but a more mature Mourinho now understands how to pick his battles and focus on the bigger picture.
Madrid need Mourinho focused on the Clasico
Madrid are entering an important stretch of fixtures that also includes a run of four consecutive games away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho 2.0 seems to be a more refined yet aggressive version of his previous avatar. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
With Vinicius potentially facing a two-to-four-match suspension, Mourinho already has an important attacking problem to solve.
Losing his ability to influence the game from the touchline would only add another complication to an already difficult period for Los Blancos.
Against Barcelona’s aggressive pressing, his tactical instructions and in-game adjustments could tilt the game in Madrid’s favour.
Last night’s decision shows the difference in Mourinho between his first spell at the club and the current one, but the performances have to improve.
It remains to be seen how Mourinho goes about improving Los Blancos in the coming weeks and whether he can coach them to a win against Barcelona.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Tchouameni made his 200th Real Madrid appearance vs Villarreal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)