Vilanova over Mourinho eye-poke
Image by: Angel Martinez / Getty Images
New Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova insists last term's drama with Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho hasn't soured relations between them.
Spanish media reports have suggested the two tacticians are not on amicable terms following last season's Super Cup altercation.
Mourinho was given a two-game ban for poking then Barca assistant Vilanova in the eye, the latter handed a one-match suspension for slapping the Portuguese.
"The fact that, after a year, we are still talking about what happened with Mourinho in the Super Cup - it tires me," Vilanova told AS.
"Only the judge sets the sanctions and there is a measure of grace, I accept that. The punishment is not whether one or two games are given. The greatest punishment is that these images will last for many years.
"We are in the world of football and punishments must be accepted. He [Mourinho] greeted me in the game at the Bernabeu and I do not have any bad feelings."
Meanwhile, Vilanova has challenged his charges not to become complacent with their status as arguably the world's best club side, especially after relinquishing their La Liga crown to Los Merengues.
"Being in the Barcelona first team, comfort is never comfortable," Vilanova added.
"It is true that we are calm, but we also come to win many titles and be recognised by everyone.
"Making it better is very difficult. I am aware of the difficulty. I am aware that people are keen to continue to see the team play well and see the team keep winning."





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