Barcelona adviser takes aim at Real Madrid manager ahead of El Clasico: ‘With him, it’s always someone else’s fault’

Barcelona adviser takes aim at Real Madrid manager ahead of El Clasico: ‘With him, it’s always someone else’s fault’ Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has become the latest target for Barcelona, with their presidential adviser Enric Masip questioning the Portuguese coach’s conduct ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.  With Real Madrid preparing to face Barcelona on October 25, Masip has criticised Mourinho’s public comments while also accusing the Spanish giants of attempting to divert attention from their own problems through their continued focus on the Negreira case . Masip questions Mourinho’s conduct before El Clasico Mourinho had already begun stirring the atmosphere ahead of the meeting, stating that Barcelona had an advantage because they were “missing out on 24 hours’ rest” .  Masip responded by acknowledging the manager’s coaching ability while taking aim at his tendency to make provocative remarks. “Back when I was at Barça, I always had a good relationship with him. I think he’s a great manager, but he has his ways. Every time he speaks out, he takes a dig,” Masip said. The Barcelona adviser then contrasted Mourinho with Hansi Flick, arguing that their different approaches to public communication reflected contrasting attitudes towards their clubs’ values. “Look at Flick and Mourinho; compare their press conferences. Even when he’s been wronged, Flick speaks respectfully, in line with the club’s values.  “Mourinho, on the other hand… You know how it’s always someone else’s fault? Well, that’s just how he is,” he continued. Real Madrid accused of using Negreira case to divert attention Enric Masip has attacked Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Masip’s attack extended beyond Mourinho’s press conferences, with the Barcelona presidential adviser also accusing Real Madrid of damaging his club’s reputation through its stance on the Negreira investigation. “Real Madrid are moving in a certain direction to cover up their own problems. They’re turning to Barça to divert attention.  “The aim is to tarnish Barça’s image. We feel offended because, in three and a half years, nothing has ever been proven.” He subsequently invoked Spanish football’s history to challenge Madrid’s position, alleging that the competition had not always been impartial.  Masip also criticised the way media discussions and reports were being treated in the wider debate. “In this country’s darkest days, there was indeed one club that benefited and won titles because of this lack of impartiality. They treat talk shows as if they were juries and reports as if they were verdicts.  “They are undermining the competition. Who had any doubts about the Guardiola era? That was proper football.  Real Madrid will have one less day to prepare of El Clasico (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) “There are red lines that must not be crossed, and they have been crossed,” added Masip. Barcelona adviser urges players to ignore controversy Despite his forceful criticism, Masip insisted that Barcelona’s players must avoid becoming distracted by the off-field dispute and concentrate on the match itself.  He argued that Madrid should face questions about their own situation instead of continuing to focus on Barcelona. “Instead of talking about Negreira, they should be talking about what’s going on with them. They attack everyone and even go to UEFA. “In every match, whether through actions or protests, you can see the differences in respect and behaviour. That’s putting pressure on us. And it’s been like that throughout history. “I think the line Madrid are taking is appalling. The players need to stay focused on the match.  “All El Clasicos are tough, but these things tarnish the competition. Remember the Copa del Rey in Seville, when they didn’t even want to turn up for the match,” he concluded. Source: SPORT