Is Mourinho a good match for Real?

Posted Saturday, October 22, 2011 by ESPN

One of Real Madrid's favourite sons believes current coach Jose Mourinho does not share the same values as the famed Spanish club.

Guti had spent his entire career at the Bernabeu before moving to Besiktas in 2010 and said in an interview that while he respects the Portuguese tactician's strong character, Mourinho's antics were not in keeping with the club's traditions.

Among the things Mourinho has been criticised for include his role in the brawl which took place in the closing stages of the second leg of the Spanish Supercopa this season where he was caught on film poking a finger into the eye of Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova.

Mourinho was handed a two-match suspension for his actions.

"There are things about him that I do not like," Guti told Ona FM.

"Madrid's principle is one of honor and that the club must be over the people. Mourinho is a person with a strong character, who defends what he thinks until death. That is good because, without that, you are devoured in football."

It could be argued that Mourinho also put Madrid in a bad light when he accused UEFA of using referees to aid Barca in winning games in European competitions. These comments came at a post-match press conference following Madrid's semi-final exit from the UEFA Champions League last season at the hands of the Catalans.

Guti refuted these suggestions while taking time out to praise some of the players at the Nou Camp.

"Barcelona's successes are based on merit and are not work of the referees," he said.

"I admire Lionel Messi a lot. For me, he is the best player in the world and in some years, we will see that he is the best in the history of football.

"Xavi is a good friend of mine and for me, he is the best central midfielder in the world."

Guti came through the youth system at the Bernabeu, along with Raul and Iker Casillas.