Enric Masip accuses José Mourinho of disrespect before the Classic
Enric Masip, adviser to the presidency of Barcelona, criticised José Mourinho in the pre‑match buildup to El Clásico after the Portuguese manager expressed displeasure about his team's rest time compared to the Catalans. The controversy arises after Real Madrid's 4‑1 thrashing of Leipzig in the Champions League and precedes the classic scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, at the Camp Nou.
Masip, who works directly for president Joan Laporta, pointed out that Mourinho's statements were unnecessary and disrespectful. The adviser stressed that Barcelona is entitled to an appropriate recovery period and that comparing Real Madrid's schedule does not justify personal attacks.
Mourinho complains about rest time
The Portuguese coach said that Real Madrid would have less rest time to prepare for El Clásico compared with Barcelona. According to Mourinho, this difference could influence the performance of the two teams in the decisive La Liga match.
Masip recalls 2011 incident
Enric Masip recalled a 2011 episode, when José Mourinho, then Real Madrid coach, put a finger in Tito Vilanova's eye, Pep Guardiola's assistant at Barcelona.
«When someone tells you they see strange things. Strange thing is putting a finger in a coach's eye. When things aren't going well for you, you should improve and not devote yourself to attacking others», said Masip.
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Masip also compared Mourinho's stance with that of Hansi Flick, then Barcelona coach, highlighting the difference in respect.
«He throws barbs. Look at a Mourinho press conference and at a Flick one. Flick, even after being wronged, says the opposite. The respect he feels towards others, towards the players, towards the coach. Those are Barcelona's values. You could say many things, but you don't. For Mourinho and Real Madrid, the blame is always the other's», declared Masip.
The classic between Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, at the Camp Nou, and counts for the tenth round of La Liga. The match promises to be decisive in the title race, with both teams looking to consolidate their position in the table.
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Thus, Masip's criticism adds another chapter to the historic rivalry between the two clubs, reinforcing the message that respect and Barcelona's values must prevail over personal attacks before one of the calendar's most anticipated clashes.