"Pepe is having a rough time"

Pepe is going through his worst spell since he joined Real Madrid. It's possible he's even more upset than the time he was sent off for the foul on Casquero. On that occasion he was deeply afflicted and repentant.

The reason he's in the doldrums this time is because he can't understand why Mourinho would make pejorative comments about him, comments that could lead to problems with the fans.

On Wednesday he turned up at the Bernabéu looking serious and worried. During the match he was joined by Marcelo and Sergio Ramos, two keys figures at this difficult time.

He has spoken to his teammates and to some of the higher-ups at the club and told them that at no time did he criticise Mourinho.

Right now, for Pepe it is vital to feel the support of his friends. One such friend is Efigenio Albadalejo, who is also president of the Ramón Mendoza Real Madrid Supporters' Club.

Efigenio offered a first-hand report of what the player is going through: "Pepe is having a bad time. At no point did he intend to confront the manager or go against him. He just said what many, if not all, Madrid supporters think. That is to say that Casillas deserves respect because he is a symbol of Spanish football and of Real Madrid. What Mourinho has done isn't fair."