CORNERFLICK
After a relatively low-key start to his second spell at Real Madrid, José Mourinho is once again embracing controversy and taking on his critics — a strategy that appears designed to ease the pressure on his players and unite the club’s supporters behind the team.
During the first few months of his return to the Spanish giants, Mourinho sought to present a different image from the one that defined his previous tenure. The Portuguese coach, long known for his outspoken remarks and high-profile media confrontations, adopted a noticeably calmer tone in his dealings with journalists, preferring to focus on tactical matters. However, recent events suggest he is once again reverting to his familiar approach to handling a crisis.
According to Marca journalist Pablo Polo, Mourinho has decided to abandon his cautious approach in the face of mounting pressure, stepping directly into the controversies surrounding the team and shifting the media spotlight onto himself. The clearest example of this change came during Real Madrid’s recent clash with Villarreal.
Madrid secured a 1-0 victory, but the match was overshadowed by Vinícius Júnior’s dismissal following a VAR review, which sparked considerable controversy.
Mourinho had been animated on the touchline throughout the game and celebrated enthusiastically after Vinícius found the net — only for the goal to be ruled out. The Brazilian forward was subsequently shown a straight red card for a foul on an opposing player.
The Portuguese coach’s response did not end there. In a departure from his usual routine, Mourinho skipped the post-match press conference, a decision that quickly became a major talking point in the Spanish media. Reports suggested that, deeply unhappy with the refereeing decisions, he chose not to face journalists in an effort to avoid comments that could lead to a suspension for upcoming fixtures, particularly El Clásico.
However, Pablo Polo believes Mourinho’s recent behaviour should not be dismissed as a series of emotional reactions to events on the pitch. The journalist argues that the Real Madrid manager is acutely aware of the team’s delicate situation and is deliberately attempting to take the heat off his players by making himself the central figure in the media narrative.
The strategy closely resembles Mourinho’s approach during his first spell at the Bernabéu. Back then, he repeatedly generated controversy and clashed with the media and other outside figures, creating an environment in which his players felt compelled to stand together against external pressure.
A similar dynamic appears to be taking shape once again. Real Madrid have faced growing criticism in recent weeks over their quality of play, the performance of their midfield and the lack of cohesion among some of their attacking stars. Mourinho is now seeking to ease the pressure on the dressing room.
In recent press conferences, he has repeatedly defended his players and challenged the validity of media criticism. By questioning refereeing decisions, he has also helped shift much of the debate surrounding Madrid towards the officiating of their matches.
Mourinho’s approach could also help strengthen his relationship with the club’s supporters. Having become well acquainted with the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Portuguese coach understands the importance of backing from the stands, particularly during the more challenging stages of the season.
Yet the strategy carries risks. Escalating tensions with referees and the media could place the club under even greater scrutiny and potentially result in suspensions. Moreover, controversy away from the pitch cannot, on its own, resolve Real Madrid’s underlying tactical and technical problems.
For now, Mourinho appears to have rediscovered one of the defining characteristics of his managerial career: putting himself at the centre of the spotlight and acting as a shield for his players.
The question is whether this familiar approach to crisis management will prove effective in preserving unity within the dressing room and helping Real Madrid improve their results.