José Mourinho’s post-match comments have sparked a response from Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone after Sunday’s Madrid derby, with the Argentine urging his fellow manager to be more careful when discussing referees.
Mourinho questioned refereeing decisions after Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Atlético, prompting Simeone to stress that even football’s biggest names must respect match officials.
The Atlético coach said a manager’s reputation should never place him above the standards expected when speaking about referees.
“You cannot lose the referees’ respect,” Simeone said, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
He also warned managers against going too far when publicly discussing officiating.
Simeone said the rule should apply to everyone, regardless of their status in the game. He mentioned Mourinho alongside Hansi Flick, Manuel Pellegrini and himself.
The Argentine acknowledged that refereeing decisions will sometimes benefit a team and sometimes go against it.
“Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t,” he said.
Simeone also reflected on the derby itself, pointing to the difference between the two teams in crucial moments.
He felt Atlético controlled the game better and took advantage of important opportunities, while Real Madrid failed to create the chances they usually produce.
That difference ultimately helped Atlético secure the 2-1 victory over their city rivals.
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