Catalan newspapers criticise Mourinho after Real Madrid derby defeat

Catalan newspapers have launched a strong attack on Jose Mourinho following his criticism of the referee after Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the capital derby, questioning whether his return to the club is delivering the change that was promised.

Sport led with the headline “Stop harassing referees”, a direct response to Mourinho’s comments after the match, when he sharply criticised referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias.

The newspaper condemned what it described as the constant noise surrounding the Portuguese manager. It argued that Mourinho and his staff had become better at preparing press conferences than matches, saying discussion of the manager had dominated coverage for 24 hours after the derby.

Sport also claimed that the controversy was no longer capable of concealing Real Madrid’s problems. Instead, it said, the surrounding noise was giving their opponents extra room to build momentum.

Questions over Real Madrid’s performance

Mundo Deportivo focused on Mourinho’s football, particularly Real Madrid’s display in the first half. The team was described as slow and passive, with little attacking energy and too few chances.

The newspaper acknowledged that Real Madrid looked different after being reduced in numbers during the second half. However, it said the side still lacked spirit, enthusiasm and the desire to win, while showing no clear attacking intent.

Mundo Deportivo linked that performance to the reason Mourinho was appointed in the first place. It said the Portuguese was expected to restore discipline to the squad and give Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior roles with greater collective responsibility.

Sport has also begun assessing Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid after his return to the club he managed between 2010 and 2013.

According to the newspaper, Mourinho came back to Madrid promising a revolution but has so far failed to deliver it, instead turning the club into “another drama series”.

The paper compared Mourinho’s situation with that of Pep Guardiola, pointing to the different paths taken by the two managers. Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid after recent experiences marked by confrontations, while Guardiola is enjoying a period of rest after years of work and success.

The criticism has intensified since the derby defeat, with Catalan coverage concluding that Mourinho’s second beginning at Real Madrid has not yet produced the expected transformation.

That has raised further questions about the new project at Santiago Bernabeu and whether the manager’s return can bring the discipline and collective improvement that were anticipated.