Real Madrid: Mourinho criticises Asencio over off-field conduct

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has criticised Raul Asencio over his off-field conduct, which he said has tarnished the club’s image.

The defender has received a fine and an eight-month driving ban after being found guilty of driving under the influence.

Asencio reportedly recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.90 mg/litre while driving in the Gran Canaria region of Spain. The legal limit for alcohol consumption while driving in the country is 0.25 mg/litre.

The 23-year-old acknowledged the road safety violation in a fast-track trial and will incur a fine of €14,400 in addition to his driving ban.

The development has dealt a significant blow to Asencio, who is set to appear before the Criminal Court regarding his alleged involvement in an incident involving a sexual video in which two young women, aged 16 and 18 at the time, were allegedly filmed without their consent.

Asencio, along with three former teammates from the Real Madrid academy, faces accusations from prosecutors related to the events that allegedly occurred in 2023.

Following the defender’s drunk-driving case, Mourinho criticised his behaviour.

The Portuguese head coach expressed his dissatisfaction with Asencio, saying the incident had tarnished Real Madrid’s reputation.

Mourinho acknowledged that Asencio is a dedicated professional who trains diligently on the field.

However, the coach emphasised that all players must conduct themselves appropriately off the field, a standard he said Asencio had failed to meet in this instance.

Addressing reporters ahead of their La Liga match against Real Betis, Mourinho said: “I am not happy with Raúl Asencio.

“He is a great professional; no one trains like he does. But a Real Madrid player must always be a Real Madrid player, even off the field.

“Your actions outside hurt the image of the club. What I am saying is that I am not satisfied.”

Asencio has not been selected for any of the three matches Los Blancos have played this season.