Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho skips annual coaches’ meeting in Las Rozas | OneFootball

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was a notable absentee at the annual meeting of Spain’s First and Second Division coaches on Monday.

The gathering, held at the City of Football in Las Rozas, is a common fixture on the calendar, bringing together managers from across the divisions once a year.

However, Mourinho was not in attendance, and neither were several of his high-profile counterparts, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Mourinho among several absentees

Mourinho’s absence had nothing to do with the fallout from the recent Madrid derby, despite the controversy that surrounded the fixture.

Mourinho’s absence was informed well in advance. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Portuguese had, in fact, excused himself from the meeting days in advance, citing personal scheduling reasons.

Real Madrid had been aware of his non-attendance for some time, meaning it came as no surprise on the day.

Mourinho was far from the only manager to give the meeting a miss.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick were also among the many coaches who did not attend.

Refereeing remains a hot topic

The annual meeting, organised by the Coaches Committee, has in recent years been dominated by two recurring themes: economic problems and refereeing matters.

The financial issues, primarily stemming from some coaches not being paid, had long been a source of frustration.

Mourinho must find some answers during the international break. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That particular problem is now understood to have been resolved following the involvement of La Liga, a development that came after Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed considerable anger over the matter.

The second issue, refereeing, continues to be a major talking point.

Despite efforts from the Federation and coaches to resolve the matter, including meetings between technicians and officials, the conflict remains very much alive.

That was evident once again this past weekend, with Mourinho and other coaches openly voicing their frustrations over the officiating.

For Mourinho, though, the focus will remain firmly on his own side during the international break.

Having overseen two key defeats that leave Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona, the Portuguese has plenty to work on as he looks to steer his team back on track when club football resumes against Villarreal on October 10.