Laporta’s advisor accuses Real Madrid of trying to tarnish Barcelona’s image: ‘Turning to us to divert attention’

Laporta’s advisor accuses Real Madrid of trying to tarnish Barcelona’s image: ‘Turning to us to divert attention’ Barcelona presidential adviser Enric Masip has taken aim at Jose Mourinho ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, questioning the Real Madrid manager’s conduct and accusing the Spanish giants of trying to damage Barcelona’s reputation.  His comments came during the build-up as Hansi Flick’s side prepare to face their fiercest rivals on October 25. With Mourinho already making headlines over the scheduling of the fixture, Masip has defended Barcelona’s approach while challenging Real Madrid’s stance on the Negreira case .  Enric Masip questions Mourinho’s behaviour before El Clasico Mourinho had helped set the tone for the build-up by claiming Real Madrid were “missing out on 24 hours’ rest” .  Masip responded by acknowledging the Portuguese coach’s ability while criticising his tendency to make pointed public comments. “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’s media appearances with those of Flick, arguing that the German coach maintains a more respectful public stance even when he believes his team has been treated unfairly. “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…  Enric Masip has attacked Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “You know how it’s always someone else’s fault? Well, that’s just how he is,” he continued. Masip accuses Real Madrid of targeting the club Masip’s criticism went beyond the Clasico mind games, extending to the ongoing dispute surrounding the Negreira case.  He accused Real Madrid of using the issue to divert attention from their own affairs and undermine Barcelona’s standing. “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 also invoked Spanish football’s history, alleging that the competition had previously been affected by a lack of impartiality.  Masip criticised what he described as the treatment of media discussions and reports as conclusive judgments. “In this country’s darkest days, there was indeed one club that benefited and won titles because of this lack of impartiality.  Real Madrid have tried to tarnish Barcelona’s image. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “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. There are red lines that must not be crossed, and they have been crossed,” added Masip. Masip tells Barcelona players to focus on Real Madrid clash Despite his forceful defence of Barcelona, Masip insisted the squad must avoid being distracted by the off-field controversy.  He argued that Madrid should face greater scrutiny over their own situation and criticised what he sees as a pattern of pressure being placed on the Catalan club. “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