‘Leave us in peace’ – Jose Mourinho plays down SACK fears after Real Madrid’s derby defeat to Atletico left them FOURTH

JOSE MOURINHO has downplayed fears he will be sacked after Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss against Atletico. The 63-year-old has claimed Real Madrid can still win LaLiga, despite slipping to fourth after their derby defeat against Atletico on Sunday. Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho shouts during a LaLiga match against Atletico Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Real Madrid coach Mourinho looked flustered during a LaLiga match against Atletico Credit: AFP He has called for calm heads to prevail in his press conference to give his club hope after crumbling against their cross-city rivals. Real Madrid’s blushes were partially spared as defender Antonio Rudiger snatched an 89th-minute goal after Atletico made a quick start to the second half. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Mourinho said, via Fabrizio Romano: “If they leave us in peace, calm. Then there’s time.” The divisive manager returned for his second stint in Madrid in July after agreeing a three-year deal with the club. His previous spell saw the club win the 2011-12 LaLiga, alongside a Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana title. But questions have been raised after a meltdown performance saw Dean Huijsen sent off and Jude Bellingham launch a sweary rant at Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone. Ex-Tottenham star Cristian Romero controversially avoided a first-half red card after a studs-up challenge on Bellingham, setting the tone for the match. This triggered Mourinho to bring print outs of several contentious refereeing decisions into his post-match press conference. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Mourinho protests during a LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Credit: Getty While Real Madrid have dropped to fourth in LaLiga, there is plenty of time for the side to turn their fortunes around. They have only suffered two losses in their opening seven matches, with a 1-0 defeat against Real Betis coming earlier in September. But this weekend’s defeat has put Mourinho’s side six points adrift from undefeated league leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid also sit just one point behind second-placed Atletico. Mourinho will now have an extended international break to help turn his club’s fortunes around. They will return to action at home against ninth-placed Villarreal on Saturday, October 10. Comment now