Jose Mourinho poked Vilanova's eye in an infamous incident in 2011. Ahead of El Clasico on February 26, the Real Madrid coach has poked Barcelona’s Roura but differently: with sarcastic words.
Referee Alberto Undiano Mallecano will officiate the semi-final clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Tuesday night and not everyone is satisfied about this appointment. Interim Blaugrana coach Jordi Roura has warned the man with the whistle and his assistants not to ruin the flavour of El Clasico.
“The numbers [with Undiano] are not good. We still remember that he allowed many fouls in the [2010] Spanish Cup final [between Barcelona and Real Madrid],” Roura told the press on Monday.
“We hope that the decisions [of the officials] will not mark the match and that they will go unnoticed.
“Every Clasico is intense, hard. But we hope it won't run out of hand and that it stays within the sporting limits.”
Jordi Roura’s statement did not go without a reply from Real Madrid's outspoken manager, Jose Mourinho. The ‘Only One’ responded with sarcasm:
“I prefer to stay with the lessons we have received in the past from Barcelona: lessons in sportsmanship; how to be in football. Not talking about the referees, not surrounding them, trying to get opponents booked.
“And, of course, giving lessons on how to play football, they do that very well. They would be well advised if they humbly followed that line.”
In his last line, Mourinho was perhaps referring to Barcelona’s defensive problems of which Jordi Roura declared:
“We've analysed the goals we've conceded. Sometimes the opponent just did well, other times we've made mistakes. We need to focus more.”
Following their 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid must score to stand any chance of going through to the final. Barcelona, meanwhile, will be careful of keeping their goal post locked. A goalless draw would suit the hosts who are anticipating an exhibition of their abilities on the ball.
“The numbers [with Undiano] are not good. We still remember that he allowed many fouls in the [2010] Spanish Cup final [between Barcelona and Real Madrid],” Roura told the press on Monday.
“We hope that the decisions [of the officials] will not mark the match and that they will go unnoticed.
“Every Clasico is intense, hard. But we hope it won't run out of hand and that it stays within the sporting limits.”
Jordi Roura’s statement did not go without a reply from Real Madrid's outspoken manager, Jose Mourinho. The ‘Only One’ responded with sarcasm:
“I prefer to stay with the lessons we have received in the past from Barcelona: lessons in sportsmanship; how to be in football. Not talking about the referees, not surrounding them, trying to get opponents booked.
“And, of course, giving lessons on how to play football, they do that very well. They would be well advised if they humbly followed that line.”
In his last line, Mourinho was perhaps referring to Barcelona’s defensive problems of which Jordi Roura declared:
“We've analysed the goals we've conceded. Sometimes the opponent just did well, other times we've made mistakes. We need to focus more.”
Following their 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid must score to stand any chance of going through to the final. Barcelona, meanwhile, will be careful of keeping their goal post locked. A goalless draw would suit the hosts who are anticipating an exhibition of their abilities on the ball.
