Mourinho backs Huijsen despite third Real Madrid red card
The short version
- Huijsen sent off in the 52nd minute of the Madrid derby after fouling Giuliano Simeone, leading to an Atletico penalty.
- It was his third red card in 52 Real Madrid appearances, all for fouls as the last defender.
- Two dismissals came in La Liga and one in the Club World Cup; he was never sent off at Bournemouth, Roma or Juventus.
- Per AS, Mourinho still views Huijsen as a potential undisputed starter.
Real Madrid's manager still sees Dean Huijsen as a long-term starter despite the defender's dismissal in the Madrid derby, according to AS.
Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off in the 52nd minute of last weekend's Madrid derby against Atletico after fouling Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area. Atletico converted the resulting spot kick and went on to take control of a match Real Madrid could not salvage, finishing the contest with ten men.
The dismissal was Huijsen's third red card in 52 appearances for the club, and all three came after fouls as the last defender. Two of the sendings-off occurred in La Liga and one at the Club World Cup. He had never been red-carded at Bournemouth, Roma or Juventus before joining Madrid.
According to AS, Mourinho remains convinced he can get the best out of the Spain international and believes his early-season performances have strengthened his standing in the squad. The manager sees him as a potential permanent fixture in the starting lineup.
Part of the explanation for the disciplinary pattern may lie in style. Mourinho's Real Madrid defend with a high line that leaves center-backs exposed on quick counterattacks, forcing difficult decisions when opponents break through. The task now for Huijsen is to eliminate the errors that have undercut otherwise strong displays.
