Mourinho skips Real Madrid news conference after Vinicius Junior red card

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho refused to face the media after his side’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal, in protest at Vinicius Junior’s dismissal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Mourinho did not attend the post-match news conference and neither his assistants nor any Real Madrid players appeared in the mixed zone. Officials from the Spanish league informed those present at the stadium of the decision.

The club’s anger centred on the red card shown to Vinicius Junior, despite Real Madrid securing all three points through a single goal from Diomande.

Mourinho reacted angrily when the Brazilian was sent off and subsequently chose not to attend the media briefing. Real Madrid will now have to pay a fine because of his absence.

Critics question Mourinho’s approach

Spanish journalist Antonio Romero said Mourinho’s decision had exposed the manager’s character.

“You were saying that Mourinho had arrived in a calmer state, but he has shown his true face from the first time,” Romero said. “I believe there are two reasons behind Mourinho’s decision. First, he has already started playing the Clasico. Second, he is avoiding uncomfortable questions about the poor level being produced by the team, which is tending towards getting worse.”

Analyst Julio Pulido also argued that Mourinho remained unchanged from his previous spells in management.

“He plays more outside the pitch than on it,” Pulido said. “His strategy is clear: to compensate for the team’s lack of football by creating tension and escalating the situation.

“If he believes this approach will take him closer to Barcelona’s style of play, he is mistaken, because it is the wrong strategy. He has already started working internally to convince the players that they need to create an atmosphere, and he has adopted the club’s message that referees are harming Real Madrid.”

Jordi Marti said Real Madrid supporters had also embraced claims that Spanish football was affected by corruption.

“I thought we would not see the worst version of Mourinho again, but he has returned to stay,” Marti said. “He contaminates everyone with his toxicity.”