Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is at the eye of a dressing-room storm, according to a report in Spain, with his decision to criticise players in public leading to a backlash from his first-team squad.

Speaking to the press after last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Levante, Mourinho blamed the referee, the simulation of the opposition, and the indiscipline of Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira for his side’s dropped points.

But the decision to point the finger at one of his own players has resulted in a sharp reaction from the first teamers, according to El Pais.

Sources within the squad told the newspaper that: “Khedira had obeyed orders” from Mourinho.

The Portuguese had reportedly told his players to jockey the referee whenever he was asked to make a decision, resulting in Levante being punished with yellow cards for every 2.5 fouls, as opposed to their previous record of one every seven or eight misdemeanours.

Khedira was sent off for a second yellow card when he fell foul of the man in the middle, but when his coach cited his indiscipline as one of the reasons for his side’s defeat, the players reacted angrily.

News sources in Catalunya suggest a mass player revolt is in sight as a result of Mourinho’s latest outburst, with the players showing the first signs of ire at the coach’s media tactics.

However, Sport has also pointed out that the ‘Special One’ could seek protection from ‘Team Mendes’, the group of players represented by the coach’s agent Jorge Mendes. Those include the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho.