Calderon claims Mourinho outbursts are ‘harmful’ to Real

FORMER Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Jose Mourinho’s recent antics have been “harmful” to the club and has questioned whether the Portuguese will remain at the helm for a second season.

The Madrid boss courted controversy in the wake of last week’s Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Barcelona by claiming, among a host of other barbed accusations, that the opposition received favourable treatment from UEFA.

Mourinho was suspended for Tuesday night’s return leg at the Nou Camp, which ended in a 1-1 draw to send Barca through to the final 3-1 on aggregate, and Calderon claims the actions of the Madrid boss cannot be condoned.

“I think what he did in terms of talking about UEFA and referees is not acceptable at all. It doesn’t match with Real Madrid’s history,” he said.

“I assume that he’s a very, very good manager, but talking like that has been harmful for Real Madrid.”

Mourinho’s outburst against UEFA and Barcelona has again called into question the temperament of the mercurial Portuguese, and Calderon is adamant that the world’s top clubs and coaches must be able to take defeat with good grace.

“I think big clubs can never blame the referee for their defeats,” he said.

“I think the semi-final was over in the first match at the Bernabeu when we lost 2-0.

“We invested €450 million in the last two years to build a very important and strong team, so if you lose you can’t blame injuries, bad luck, the referee...

“If you lose, you have to congratulate your rival.”

Mourinho’s failure in the Champions League will almost certainly be followed by defeat in the Primera Division title race – Barca lead by eight points with four games remaining.