Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho lashed out at a Spanish radio journalist, criticizing him for saying on air that some of his players felt they were being spied upon by a member of staff.

"In the world of football, me and my staff are top and in the world of journalism, you are (crap)," Mourinho said to Radio Marca's Anton Meana, who detailed the altercation in Sunday's version of the daily sports paper.

Meana drew the ire of the Portuguese manager for telling listeners on Thursday that the players didn't feel comfortable speaking in the presence of goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro, who they reportedly suspect relays their comments to Mourinho.

"After having consulted several sources, I told listeners that several Real players have the feeling that Louro is almost a spy for Mourinho," wrote Meana.

Mourinho fiercely contested the suggestion, retorting: "You have to monitor if your sources tell you the truth. There are 21 players in the changing room who get along perfectly with Silvino and, and like everywhere, three black sheep that harm the group. And you, instead of identifying these people as nuisances, you present it as news."

The acerbic exchange is the latest in a string of incidents involving Mourinho and the press, who often reproach him for his arrogance and treatment of journalists.

AFP

(China Daily 12/18/2012 page24)