Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has said that Jose Mourinho's decision to appear before the fans at Santiago Bernabeu before their derby clash with Atletico Madrid was not an affront to them.
The Portuguese coach stood out on the pitch as the stadium was filling up before kickoff as around 2,000 Madrid fans chanted his name.
However, Karanka has downplayed the suggestions that Mourinho's motives were to goad the fans.
"We were in the locker room and we have not seen it. It was no challenge [against the fans], nothing against the public of Madrid," said Karanka.
"Image is what Mourinho is about, a coach who shows his face for the team, in the press and on the pitch and on the bench. He is a coach who never hides."
It is believed that Mourinho took the course of action to gather the general opinion after whistles were reserved for him in Tuesday night's 3-0 win over Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.
Written by
Paul Gorst
Paul Gorst
