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Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has issued a strong warning to defender Raul Asencio after his recent off-field disciplinary problems. Although the 23-year-old was cleared of charges linked to an explicit video, a separate traffic conviction has clearly left his manager unhappy.

Asencio is now dealing with fresh disciplinary action.

He was recently cleared of charges connected to the non-consensual distribution of an explicit video. However, the 23-year-old is now facing new internal disciplinary proceedings at the Santiago Bernabeu because of a separate matter. The Spanish club moved swiftly after Asencio was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. That serious traffic offence led to an eight-month suspension of his driving licence and a heavy fine of €14,400.

Head coach Mourinho has now spoken publicly about the complicated issue. The Portuguese manager made it clear that he is frustrated by the defender’s conduct away from the pitch.

Mourinho delivers a firm warning over conduct.

Mourinho did not soften his message while speaking about the standards expected from his squad. He reminded Asencio that being a player for the Spanish giants is a responsibility that applies every day, at all times.

“A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 12 months a year,” Mourinho said on the club’s official website.

“Everything you do outside your professional area continues to reflect on Real Madrid, continues to affect the prestige of a club that is untouchable. I am not happy. Everyone makes mistakes, but accumulated mistakes are something different.”

Exemplary professionalism on the training ground.

In spite of his anger over the traffic conviction, Mourinho was also quick to praise Asencio’s approach to work. He pointed to the defender’s outstanding attitude during training.

“I spoke with him when I arrived,” Mourinho admitted. “We talked about things from the past. Since I arrived, I haven’t spoken about situations outside Valdebebas because in Valdebebas, he is an exemplary professional.

“When he was well, no one trained more or better than him. Now that he has been injured for weeks, he is the first to arrive, the last to leave, showing extreme dedication to his recovery.”

Rebuilding trust in the Spanish capital.

Asencio will remain unavailable for the time being as he continues with his physical recovery programme. He has not played for Real Madrid at all this season because of his ongoing muscle issue. Meanwhile, the defender must also go through the club’s formal internal disciplinary process. Real Madrid’s hierarchy will soon decide the appropriate punishment for his recent driving conviction.

When he eventually returns to full fitness, Asencio will still face a major task. The promising defender will need to work hard to rebuild trust with Mourinho and his team-mates if he is to get his career back on track.