Mourinho and Real Madrid digest the 1-2 loss at the Metropolitano

Real Madrid are trying to process their Metropolitano derby defeat, which finished 1-2 during the international break, as unease grows inside the club after a run that also included losses to Betis and Atlético Madrid. The situation already looked tense even before, given the expectations for a strong start with José Mourinho in charge.

Whistles and planning on the break

Mundo Deportivo reports that there has been no showdown between Florentino Pérez and Mourinho. The president continues to back the Portuguese coach across sporting matters and even in the role of spokesperson after the derby: Mourinho held up his “paper” featuring two incidents in which Real Madrid asked for red cards for ‘Cuti’ Romero and Kang-In Lee.

Mourinho is using the break to reflect and map solutions the Madridistas want to see immediately. He also knows he has little preparation time ahead of the 10 October trip to Villarreal, and he is waiting to find out if Mbappé and Konaté will be available after injuries picked up with France. Valverde is also a doubt, with the injury coming from the derby. The internationals won’t return until next week, and the pressure is higher with Barcelona six points ahead and the Clásico set for 25 October.