Mourinho blasts 'Barnetta'Sunday 28 September, 2008Jose Mourinho continues to lose friends and alienate people, as a row has broken out with Lecce boss Mario Beretta.
The Inter Coach has ‘kind’ words for everyone during his Press conference on Saturday afternoon, which included deriding Claudio Ranieri’s grasp of the English language.
“I studied Italian five hours a day for many months to ensure I could communicate with the players, media and fans.
“Ranieri had been in England for five years and still struggled to say ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon.’ Who is he to tell me what to do?”
The Portuguese tactician then turned his attention to the midweek win over Lecce, as Beretta told the media that the decision to send assistant manager Beppe Baresi to the Press conference showed “a lack of respect.”
This did not go down well with Mourinho when he was told of the comment on Saturday and he couldn’t quite get his colleague’s surname right.
“Barnetta (sic) spoke to me at the stadium and didn’t say anything. I may have an irritating face, but not one of a person who is mean or violent,” snapped the Inter Coach.
“Why didn’t he say this to me in person? Maybe he needs to work a little more on his character if he doesn’t know how to talk to colleagues and then sends them messages via the media.”
Mourinho didn’t let it go and added fuel to the fire a few minutes later when asked to give a prediction on the derby against Milan.
“There is a very important player in the history of Portuguese football, just as important as Beppe Baresi was for the Italian game, but the difference is when he talks to the media everyone shuts up and listens, instead here there is always some Barnetta or other who says what he wants.
“This player is called Joao Pinto and he was captain of Benfica. He said you only make predictions after the match.”
The message filtered through to Lecce, where Beretta did not hesitate in giving his response to this personal attack from Mourinho.
“I have no character? Who can possibly say that? Nobody. I think the issue should end here, as I have more important things to think about than this stupid rubbish.
“I consider Mourinho a professional who is intelligent and never banal in his statements. My judgement won’t change, just as my freedom to say what I want will not change.
“I replied to a question that was posed to me. If he wants to continue this argument, that’s his problem.”
channel4 That's the way to talk to The Arrogant One. Well done