Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has addressed the ongoing disciplinary situation surrounding defender Raúl Asencio, delivering a blunt assessment of the player’s off-field conduct during a press conference ahead of the club’s LaLiga fixture against Real Betis.
Speaking to reporters, Mourinho emphasized that representing the Spanish club demands a constant commitment to professionalism, noting that a player’s responsibilities extend well beyond the training ground.
Mourinho Draws a Line on Asencio’s Conduct
The controversy surrounding Asencio follows a drunk-driving conviction that has put the central defender under intense scrutiny. While acknowledging that mistakes happen to everyone, Mourinho drew a sharp distinction between isolated errors and a pattern of behavior.
«I am not happy. Everyone makes mistakes, but accumulated mistakes are a different thing,» Mourinho stated, as reported by Marca. The manager added that the club has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against the player.
Mourinho contrasted Asencio’s off-field troubles with his application at the Valdebebas training complex. According to La Razón, the coach pointed out that when Asencio is not dealing with physical ailments, his attitude in training has been exemplary, and that the player currently shows extreme dedication while recovering from an injury.
«A Real Madrid player is a player 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 12 months a year. Everything you do outside continues to be Real Madrid. It continues to damage the prestige of a club that is untouchable,» Mourinho said, according to Marca.
Squad Preparations and Upcoming Fixtures
Real Madrid heads into the fourth round of LaLiga fixtures aiming to maintain a flawless start after winning their opening three matches. However, Mourinho warned his squad that facing Real Betis requires peak performance.
«It has to be a great Real Madrid. Betis is a very good team. To win, you have to be at your maximum level,» Mourinho told journalists, per La Razón. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 local time.
Amid squad rotation and fitness concerns in the midfield, Mourinho also touched upon the integration of youth academy prospects from La Fábrica. He confirmed that young defender Sergio Martínez will feature on the bench against Betis after participating in two training sessions with the senior team, noting that the youngster possesses potential and a small amount of top-flight experience.
