Mourinho criticised after Real Madrid’s derby defeat by Atletico Madrid

Jose Mourinho has faced mounting criticism after Real Madrid lost 2-1 to city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby, a result which left them fourth in the Spanish league and six points behind leaders Barcelona.

Arda Guler started the match on the right wing but was substituted by Mourinho in the 54th minute. Kylian Mbappe then took responsibility for Real Madrid’s set-pieces for around half an hour, although he failed to make a significant impact.

Real Madrid’s only goal came from a set-piece delivered by Bernardo Silva, who had entered the game in the 82nd minute.

Mourinho’s decisions, particularly his reliance on Arda Guler to take free-kicks, have prompted increasing scrutiny. Paco Gonzalez, a commentator for Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, questioned Real Madrid’s options when Guler is not on the pitch.

“Is there not a single player apart from Arda Guler?” Gonzalez asked.

He added, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet: “Is there any player at Real Madrid who has improved compared with last season or who is in better form? In what area have Real Madrid improved compared with last season when Arda Guler is not on the pitch?”

Gonzalez also questioned why the club had so few alternatives for set-pieces.

“Is there not a single player at Real Madrid who can take set-pieces? There is only Bernardo Silva, but he does not get enough opportunities to play,” he said.

“When Arda is absent, Mbappe, the team’s top scorer, takes the set-pieces. That should give us an idea of the quality of Real Madrid’s squad.”

He argued that Real Madrid’s options were largely unchanged from last season and that the team lacked players with the technical ability to deliver crosses.

“Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are the two most creative players in the team, but Mourinho would never consider playing them together in midfield in important matches because he still gives too much respect to the big names,” Gonzalez said.

The commentator then delivered a broader criticism of Mourinho’s methods and tactical approach.

“Mourinho’s style of play and his football philosophy have not developed at all. It is the same style he was using 20 years ago,” he said.

The defeat by Atletico Madrid was Real Madrid’s latest setback in a campaign which has seen them fall to fourth place in the league table. The result has also intensified the focus on Mourinho’s team selection, his use of Guler and the lack of alternative set-piece takers within the squad.