Mourinho sorry for journalist jibe

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has apologised for calling a journalist a ‘hypocrite’ for rebuking his criticism of the La Liga calendar.

Mourinho slammed the calendar following Real’s 0-0 draw at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, which left his side trailing league leaders Barcelona by seven points.

After that match, the former Inter Milan manager said his players were still tired from their Champions League fixture at Olympique Lyon on Tuesday and deserved an extra day to recover.

Speaking ahead of Malaga’s trip to the San Bernabeu on Thursday, Mourinho pointed out that Barca have been afforded that advantage, with Pep Guardiola’s men not due to face Sevilla until the Sunday after their Tuesday meet with Arsenal next week.

In contrast, fellow Champions League contenders Valencia will travel to Schalke on Wednesday before facing Real Zaragoza in the Spanish league on Saturday; a situation Mourinho said was clear bias in favour of Barcelona.

The complaint drew criticism from one Spanish journalist, who was called a hypocrite by the Real boss, though Mourinho later offered an apology.

“There are people who, when they have to say something, send someone else out to do it,” Mourinho said.

“Here it is I who comes out. I never send the players out, like other clubs do.”

“To give a bit more perspective, because I feel bad about how I responded to that journalist, the situation is very simple: Is it true or not that one team plays Tuesday and Sunday, whilst another team plays Wednesday and Saturday?”

“If you tell me that it is a lie, then there is nothing left to say. If you say that it is true, then they aren’t complaints. They are truths. But I apologise again.”

Mourinho also urged patience with Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who has yet to fire since returning from knee surgery last month.

“I didn’t expect Kaka to come back so soon and to have the same player here who did marvellous things with AC Milan,” Mourinho said.

“He is a Ballon d’Or winner. His comeback is a normal process, it is natural and difficult and he is working to be at his best on the pitch.”

“There are games that aren’t as well suited to him, but the team have to keep on supporting him and giving him opportunities to play and improve.”

“He is a fantastic player and person. We have to have a little patience and let him improve without pressure.”