Payback time for Pepe

Pepe's criticism of José Mourinho after the Valladolid match didn't just bother the coach - it didn't go down too well within the club, either. As MARCA TV's 'Futboleros' programme exclusively revealed earlier today, the 'Los Blancos' hierarchy is set to launch an enquiry into whether the Portuguese defender's comments were in breach of club policy and therefore warrant disciplinary action.
This comes off the back of last Friday's report in MARCA suggesting that Pepe is one of the names Real Madrid is looking to flog this summer as it seeks to raise €100 million euros through player departures.
The dressing room was also less than impressed by Pepe's remarks, particularly considering that up until now, the centre-back had stood by Mourinho throughout the season while other players have had various run-ins with the coach.
As for repercussions, Mou had initially announced that the defence to face Málaga would consist of Nacho, Varane, Albiol and Coentrao, corroborating the story broken by MARCA that Pepe's comments would lead to him being dropped to the bench.
However, as the hours wore on, the Portuguese supremo went one step further this afternoon by omitting the centre-back from the squad altogether, a position Pepe could find himself in for the rest of the season. Carvalho will take his countryman's place on the bench.