Soccer

Mourinho avoids Di Stefano clash

Soccer : Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has diplomatically rejected criticism aimed at him by the club’s honorary president …

Wed Apr 20 2011 - 01:00

Soccer: Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has diplomatically rejected criticism aimed at him by the club's honorary president Alfredo Di Stefano. The 84-year-old Di Stefano, who won five consecutive European Cups with Real between 1956 and 1960, hit out at the coach's negative tactics in Saturday's 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Barcelona, which effectively handed the title to the Catalans.

But Mourinho, who played four defenders and three defensive midfielders at home to the leaders, has shrugged off Di Stefano’s comments, while careful not to insult a man who still carries significant power with the fans.

“He is one of the most significant people in the history of Real Madrid and I am nothing in the history of Real Madrid,” Mourinho said ahead of tonight’s Copa del Rey final against Barca.

“But I am the coach and the coach is the one who decides. I am the coach. What do you want to do? It’s me. The decisions are mine.”

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In his weekly newspaper column, Di Stefano described Barca as a lion toying with a mouse and called for different tactics in today's final, the second game in a four-match sequence of "Clasico" confrontations to be played over 18 days.

"Saturday's game should give pause for thought on how to face up to the next because trying to play Barcelona on the break clearly isn't the most adequate," Di Stefano wrote.

"Barca treat the ball with respect, adoration, they almost pamper it. To watch this team in action is a delight.

"Barca play football and dance, Real just dashed from here to there constantly. It's clear that Barcelona are superior. Real were a team without personality."

Di Stefano's criticism of Real's playing style and his florid praise for their arch rivals carries extra weight given his celebrated status within the club.

However, Mourinho gave no indication he was about to change tack and deploy a more attacking formation tonight.

Barca and Real also meet in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with the first leg at the Bernabeu in Madrid on April 27 and the second leg at the Nou Camp in Barcelona on May 3.