Former Real Madrid defender, Nacho Fernandez has opened up about Jose Mourinho’s remarks regarding the referee’s performance in the Madrid derby.
He noted that the Portuguese manager expresses his opinions candidly, which not everyone appreciates.
Los Blancos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in LaLiga on Sunday, September 20. The match was characterised by several controversial decisions, particularly during the opening period.
Observers believe that Atletico Madrid forwards, Lee Kang-in and Cristian Romero deserved red cards for their challenges against Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, respectively.
Nevertheless, neither player received a red card. Instead, Real Madrid were reduced to 10 players in the second half when Dean Huijsen was sent off. Following the match, Jose Mourinho criticised the referee during his post-match press conference.
Former Los Blancos captain, Nacho Fernandez addressed the matter publicly.
In an interview with Cadena SER, he stated: “I prefer to believe that nothing is deliberately orchestrated to produce such outcomes. I recognise that referees are human and susceptible to errors.
“However, these particular mistakes are so consequential that they determine match results, as occurred yesterday. Had two red cards been issued, the contest would have unfolded entirely differently.
“We already know that Mourinho likes press conferences, especially for this purpose; in the end, he defends his own. The problem is that Mourinho is too outspoken; he says things as he thinks them, and many people don’t like that.”
Nacho progressed through Real Madrid’s youth system and remained with the club for nearly 20 years before departing in 2024. He made 16 appearances under Jose Mourinho’s management.