Mourinho snubs Madrid media

Jose Mourinho has angered journalists in Madrid by refusing to speak to the media ahead of his side’s ‘El Classico’ against Barcelona.

Mourinho’s assistant Aitor Karanka was instead on hand to answer questions ahead of the match, a move which prompted a large portion of the gathered media to walk out in protest at the actions of the Portuguese manager.

Mourinho sat with his assistant throughout the whole news conference – leaving Karanka to answer the difficult questions surrounding his silence.

“Whenever the manager talks, his words get twisted. It isn’t us who have changed tone recently,” Karanka said.

“The manager doesn’t want his words overanalysed and twisted, or to be the one who heats up the game. It isn’t the first time that I have spoken here, and it is just one way of working.”

Saturday’s La Liga match between Real and Barcelona is the first of four matches between the sides in 18 days.

They will also meet in the Copa del Rey final and a two-legged Champions League semi final.