José Mourinho has questioned whether La Liga has changed significantly since his previous spell in Spanish football, insisting that he was expecting a different competition after returning to the country.
The Real Madrid manager said he had been told before his return that La Liga remained largely the same, but admitted that he initially wanted to believe things had changed. His comments came after Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby.
Softfootball understands that Mourinho’s remarks were made in the context of his concerns over refereeing decisions, with the Portuguese coach pointing to several incidents from recent matches involving Real Madrid and other La Liga teams.
Mourinho also faced questions surrounding Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and the Ballon d’Or debate. However, the experienced manager opted not to get drawn into the discussion, giving a “no comment” response rather than publicly backing the teenage winger or another contender.
The Ballon d’Or debate has attracted significant attention this year, with Yamal’s performances for Barcelona making him one of the prominent names being discussed. Mourinho, however, chose to keep his focus on his own team and the issues surrounding their recent defeat.
Despite his frustration with the league’s refereeing, Mourinho praised his players for their determination and performance against Atletico Madrid. He said he had no reproach for his squad and highlighted their pride and commitment despite playing with 10 men.
Mourinho’s comments underline his immediate focus on Real Madrid’s campaign, with the Portuguese coach determined to address the issues he believes are affecting his team while avoiding unnecessary involvement in the wider Ballon d’Or debate.
