Jose Mourinho gave Real Madrid players not called up for national duty a week‑long break after their 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid. The move sparked debate among media and fans.
Following Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the capital derby on Wednesday, Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho announced a one‑week break for players who were not called up by their national teams.
Why the break?
In a press conference Mourinho said the recent loss damaged squad morale and that a short rest for the uncapped players would help restore focus and improve performance in upcoming fixtures.
Reactions
- Several players praised the decision, calling it a smart move to refresh energy levels.
- Some media pundits criticised it as a sign of inadequate tactical preparation.
- The Spanish federation expressed concern about the impact on the competition calendar.
Real Madrid now faces a demanding stretch of La Liga matches, including the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona, making Mourinho's choice a hot topic among fans.
Sources confirm the break starts Thursday and runs until the following Wednesday, after which the squad will resume intensive training ahead of the next game.
Analysts predict that the players will return sharper, but warn that a week off could disrupt momentum given the congested schedule that also includes Champions League ties.
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