Jose Mourinho Makes Controversial Comments on Real Madrid's Carlos Espi

On Wednesday evening, Real Madrid pulled off a comeback that seemingly only they are capable of, as they scored three goals in the final ten minutes to defeat Italian side AS Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olympico in Rome.

The first of the three late goals were scored by Carlos Espi, who showed world class striker instincts to follow in on a header from fellow substitute Endrick that had been parried by Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.

With this goal, the Spanish striker has now scored three goals this season in just 48 minutes of action, finding the back of the net every 16 minutes, a phenomenal rate even with a very low sample size.

The goals have all been very important too. The first was a winner away to RCD Espanyol, and the second a winner away to Elche. Then, this goal started the comeback at Roma. Not only would the team not have won the game without his goal, but with the goal coming at such a critical time, they may not even have drawn either.

So, Espi’s goals have won four points in La Liga, and (at least) two in the Champions League. It gets to a point where the 21-year old thinks: What have I got to do to start a game? 

Well, it turns out he has to do nothing. Not because he has a start guaranteed, quite the opposite. Indeed so, as manager Jose Mourinho has admitted it is impossible for Espi to start games.

Speaking to the media after the win against former club Roma, the gaffer (as relayed by theMadridZone) said: “It's difficult for Espi to play a lot of minutes, because it's very difficult to sub out Kylian Mbappe.

Not because of Mbappe's status, but because of his quality. It's impossible for me to say "I won't play Mbappe today, I'll play Espi.” 

That last line is pretty damning and can’t be good for Espi’s confidence. There has been a lot of praise towards Mourinho’s man management this season - particularly in regard to the struggling Vinicus Jr - but those comments felt harsh, insensitive, and unnecessary.

But, well, let’s wait and see what happens. With Vinicius now suspended for four straight games in La Liga, maybe they could both start, with Mbappe on the left hand side? He did start there for France during the international break under new manager Zinedine Zidane. Let’s wait and see, but wouldn’t be holding your breath just yet.