Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said on Tuesday that he retains confidence in referees in Spain and across Europe, despite repeatedly criticising officiating decisions during the season.
Mourinho did not attend his required post-match media conference after Madrid’s 1-0 La Liga victory over Villarreal on Saturday. His absence came after Vinicius Junior had a goal disallowed before the Brazilian was dismissed for pulling an opponent’s hair.
Following Madrid’s league derby loss to Atletico Madrid, Mourinho also held up printed images of incidents he believed should have resulted in sanctions against the Rojiblancos.
But before today’s Champions League meeting with Roma, the Portuguese coach sought to steer clear of further debate.
“I trust every referee,” Mourinho told reporters. “Whether it is in the league or the Champions League, I always go into a match with positive feelings about the officials. I have faith and hope everything goes well for the three teams involved — the two sides and the referees. I have no negative feelings.”
Mourinho indicated that he could address the issue in greater depth once he returns to Madrid.
“The Italian press here are more focused on the game than on that type of subject,” the experienced coach said.
“You will hear from me again on Saturday, so I believe it is better to move on to another topic.”
Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who also spoke ahead of the Roma match, admitted the players were unhappy with several decisions that had gone against them.
“I do not want to talk about referees,” said Tchouameni. “At the moment, there is a lot of frustration within us over the decisions.”
Mourinho, 63, was Roma coach from 2021 until 2024. He guided the Italian club to the 2022 Conference League title and then reached the Europa League final a year later, where Roma finished as runners-up.
The Madrid coach described Roma supporters as “special people” and said he still has warm memories of his time in the Italian capital.
“It is not like we won the Champions League, but we did lift a European trophy, reached another European final within two years, and I believe everything came together,” Mourinho said.
