English Premier League
Mourinho warns Raul Asencio after drink-driving conviction
Jose Mourinho has criticised Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio after the player was sentenced for driving under the influence of alcohol at almost four times the legal limit.
The Real Madrid manager said Asencio’s conduct away from the club could not be separated from his responsibilities as a player, although he also praised the defender’s commitment and professionalism at the club’s training ground.
Mourinho was speaking at a news conference before Real Madrid’s Spanish league meeting with Real Betis on Friday, when he made clear that repeated mistakes were a serious concern.
“Everyone makes mistakes, but when mistakes accumulate, that is a different matter,” Mourinho said.
The Portuguese manager added: “A Real Madrid player remains a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day. What you do outside the club can damage your reputation and the club’s reputation, and I am not happy.”
Asencio has faced legal proceedings over driving while under the influence of alcohol, with the level recorded understood to have been close to four times the permitted limit. The case has prompted Real Madrid to open an internal investigation.
Mourinho said the club’s process had to be completed before any sporting decision was taken. Until then, he said, Asencio would continue to be treated as a Real Madrid player.
“The club has opened an investigation file and, as a coach, while that file remains open, I treat him as a Real Madrid player. He will remain so in the coming weeks,” Mourinho said.
Although his comments included a direct criticism of the player’s behaviour, Mourinho was equally keen to distinguish between the incident away from the club and Asencio’s attitude at Valdebebas.
“Inside Valdebebas, he is a real professional. When he was fit, there was nobody who trained more than him or better than him. And now, despite being injured, he is the first to arrive and the last to leave. He has tremendous dedication,” Mourinho said.
The manager therefore stopped short of announcing an immediate footballing sanction, making the outcome of the club investigation central to any further decision.
Mourinho’s comments placed the focus on the standards expected of a Real Madrid player both during club activities and in private life. While he acknowledged Asencio’s exemplary approach to training, he stressed that the player’s responsibilities extended beyond the training ground.
Real Madrid are due to face Real Betis on Friday, with the situation surrounding Asencio continuing to develop as the club examines the circumstances of the case.
