Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is battling to win back the trust of his players.The Sun says his relationship with the squad is in meltdown mode.
In the last week alone:
- There are claims that several stars confronted Mourinho last Thursday over his tactics and "lack of tactical preparation".
- Mourinho sparked outrage when he and his staff rounded on a journalist, trying to get him to reveal the source of a story.
- In that confrontation the Real boss all but admitted that at least three of his players are stabbing him in the back.
El Pais stated several players told Mourinho that for months the team had "tactical difficulties that he as manager had not been able to resolve."
They allegedly told him that his constant public sniping at players for "lacking the right attitude" could give the impression they were not professional, when in fact the roots of the crisis were more complex.
Last Saturday Mourinho angrily had it out with Marca reporter Anton Meana over his story.
Meana said: "Mourinho told me 'In the world of football I and my people are top and in the world of journalism you are a s***.
"Mourinho said 'To me they said you are a son of a wh*** and a very bad person, but instead of believing it, I think differently. You are anti-Madrid, anti-Mourinho and your questions always have a negative intention'."
Mourinho then claimed trouble was being caused by players who did not get along with his long-time goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro.
Meana continued: "He asked me to reveal my source but I refused. Mourinho said 'There are 21 players in the dressing room whose relationship with Silvino Louro is brilliant and as happens everywhere there are three black sheep that f*** the group.'"
Madrid refused to comment but crucially did not deny any of Meana's claims. Mourinho said "three black sheep" but top sources claim the number could be up to TEN.
