Mourinho Criticizes Referee Decisions After Derby Loss, Faces Scrutiny Over Tactics

Madrid. In 2010, after a match between Real Madrid and Sevilla, Jose Mourinho appeared at a press conference with a list of 13 potential mistakes made by referee Clos Gomez. Now in 2026, after a poor derby loss to city rivals Atletico at the Metropolitano on Sunday, he expressed dissatisfaction with only two decisions. This time, however, he brought color screenshots on an A4 size paper to attack the match officials. Showing the piece of paper in his hand, Mourinho told reporters, 'We wouldn't have to have this press conference if the main story of the game wasn't here.' The paper contained pictures of Lee Kang-in's foul on Federico Valverde and Cristian Romero's tackle on Jude Bellingham. He added, 'These two are clear red cards.' 'But I have to embrace my players. They played excellently in the first half, showing high standards and character,' he said. He further added, 'Apart from Atletico, the ones who should be happy today are the refereeing technical committee.'

This Portuguese coach has not stopped entertaining in press conferences. However, he is no longer the excellent strategist and player manager he once was.