Locker Room Fire: Karanka Spills on Mourinho's Blow-Up with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Locker Room Tensions Unveiled

Aitor Karanka, the former assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, shares details of the heated confrontation that pitted 'Special One' against Cristiano Ronaldo in the royal club's locker room.

In a lengthy interview on El Cafeto with Josep Pedrerol, he outlines the true reasons behind the famous clash between the Portuguese coach and the star forward.

Pedrerol notes that during a Copa del Rey match against Valencia, Mourinho harshly rebuked Ronaldo, who publicly replied with tears, saying, 'I supported you a lot,' in a moment of visible emotion.

Karanka adds that the moment was less about personal attack and more about pushing the group, comparing it to a father-son dynamic.

He recalls Mourinho telling Ronaldo, not only that he had erred in front of the whole dressing room, but that Ronaldo was also the player he trusted most.

Karanka stresses that every decision by Mourinho and Real Madrid's staff aimed at the team's broader good overall.

The scene underlined Madrid's dressing-room balance during this episode in history.

Punchline: If drama paid salaries, that locker room would be the richest club in the world.

Punchline: Ronaldo cried on cue, Mourinho kept score with looks, and history kept the receipts.