In a press conference held on August 29, 2026, Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho addressed the media in Valdebebas as his team prepares for a challenging LaLiga EA Sports match against Real Betis. The spotlight was on defender Raúl Asencio, who has recently faced legal troubles due to a drink-driving conviction. Mourinho acknowledged the situation, stating, “I spoke with him when I arrived. I did so because of things that happened in the past. Since I arrived, I haven’t spoken to him anymore.”
Mourinho emphasized the importance of professionalism for Real Madrid players, noting that off-field behavior can significantly impact both the individual's reputation and that of the club. He remarked, “When he was healthy, no one trained harder or better than him. Now that he’s injured, he’s the first to arrive and the last to leave. Extreme dedication. But a Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day. What you do off the field can damage your reputation and that of the club. I’m not happy. But hey, we all make mistakes. But when they pile up, it’s a different story.”
As Real Madrid gears up for their clash with Real Betis, Mourinho expressed the need for his team to deliver a stellar performance. He acknowledged the strength of Betis, stating, “It has to be a great performance. Otherwise, they won’t win. Betis is a very good team, and given Real Madrid’s recent results there… it’s hard to win there. And to do so, you have to be at your absolute best. There’s no other way.” This match is crucial for Madrid as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in LaLiga.
During the press conference, Mourinho also reflected on Lionel Messi's recent departure from the Argentine national team. He remarked on the difficulty of discussing Messi's legacy, saying, “Talking about Messi is complicated! There isn’t much more to say. And there are no words that can describe his quality as a player.” Mourinho acknowledged Messi’s remarkable contributions to football, particularly as he approaches the twilight of his career.
Furthermore, Mourinho discussed the promising talents emerging from Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica. He indicated that many young players are training with the first team and are closely monitored for their development. “They’ve done a great job in recent years, and the result is that they’ve made it to the first team,” he noted, highlighting the club's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Regarding the squad's depth, Mourinho confirmed that Sergio Martínez would be on the bench for the upcoming match, indicating that the young player is being integrated into the first team. He expressed confidence in Martínez's potential, stating, “He’s a young player with potential. He has already had a bit of experience in the Segunda and Primera División.”
As the press conference concluded, Mourinho reiterated the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge against Real Betis while acknowledging the ongoing investigation concerning Asencio. He stated, “The club has opened an investigation, and as long as that investigation is ongoing, I still consider him a Real Madrid player.” This statement underscores the club's commitment to addressing off-field issues while maintaining a focus on performance on the pitch.
Leave a Comment