Mourinho sends clear message to Real Madrid squad after defeat to Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to his squad following a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid. He expressed full confidence in his players and the team's long-term project despite early-season setbacks.
Why it matters
As a high-profile manager at a top-tier club, Mourinho's ability to maintain dressing room morale during a losing streak is critical to the team's season trajectory.
Real Madrid faced their first major setback of the 2026/27 season this past Sunday, when they lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The Merengues firmly believe that they were left hard done by poor refereeing, with manager Jose Mourinho lashing out at the match official after the match.
And, according to journalist Ben Fernandes Santos , Mourinho has sent a clear message to his player: there is full confidence in the process and no intention of changing course.
The Portuguese coach remains fully committed to the project and believes his team will eventually turn the situation around.
That was the central message Mourinho delivered to his players after the match at the Metropolitano: complete confidence in the work being done and the belief that both performances and results will improve.
Real Madrid lost to Atletico Madrid in the derby. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
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