Real Madrid's head coach, Jose Mourinho, has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the ongoing controversies surrounding defender Raul Asencio. The player has recently made headlines after being convicted of drunk driving in his hometown of Gran Caria, which has raised concerns about his conduct off the pitch.
During a press conference held on Thursday, ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis, Mourinho addressed the situation. He stated, "I spoke to him when I arrived based on things from the past. Since I arrived, I don’t talk about extra-sporting situations anymore. In Valdebebas, he is an exemplary professional. When he was well, no one trained more and better than him." This comment highlights Mourinho's recognition of Asencio's dedication during training, despite his recent legal troubles.
Mourinho emphasized the importance of maintaining the prestigious reputation of Real Madrid, saying, "A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 12 months a year. Everything you do outside, it’s still Real Madrid. It continues to damage the prestige of a club that is untouchable. I’m not happy and everyone makes mistakes, but accumulated mistakes are different.” This statement reflects Mourinho's concern that Asencio's repeated issues could tarnish the club's image.
When asked whether Asencio remains part of his plans, Mourinho replied, "The club has opened a file. While the file is open, I see him as a Real Madrid player. He is injured and will continue to be so for a couple of weeks. That helps me to be out of this problem." This indicates that while Asencio's future with the team is uncertain, his current injury may provide some temporary relief from the controversy.
In addition to discussing Asencio, Mourinho also commented on the broader context of the league and the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledged the strength of their upcoming opponent, Real Betis, stating, "It has to be a great Real Madrid. Betis are a very good team. To win you have to be at your highest level." This underscores the competitive nature of La Liga, where every match is crucial for maintaining a strong position in the standings.
Mourinho also reflected on the overall quality of the league this season, noting that teams like Atletico Madrid and Villarreal pose significant challenges. He remarked, "For me it’s not an easy league. There is a pressure that does not exist in other championships, which is to always have to win. In Germany or France, they have the peace of mind that they will always be champions. Here, a result that is not winning is not a good result." This insight into the pressures of La Liga adds context to the expectations placed on Real Madrid.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Real Betis, they find themselves level on points with FC Barcelona. A victory could see them reclaim the top position in the league, intensifying the competition as the season progresses. The match is set to kick off at 21:00 local time in Spain, making it a pivotal moment for both teams.
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