Karanka hits back at Mourinho critics

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka believes Jose Mourinho's critics were left eating their words after their 3-1 win over Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

After going behind at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 30th minute through a penalty from Miguel de Las Cuevas, Real hit back with goals from Gonzalo Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to seal all three points.

And Karanka believes Real's performance was the perfect answer to those who have criticised Mourinho for negative tactics.

"For those who say that Mourinho is too defensive, you only have to see the goals [we scored against Sporting]," Karanka said in his post-match press conference.

"It is the work of a fantastic group of players, who give immense joy and deserve to be champions."

Karanka paid credit to Sporting for giving Real a run for their money, but lauded the players' ability to step up a gear when the going got tough, just as they had done in the 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in midweek.

"Sporting closed us down very well," Karanka added. "I did not expect it though, because a point would not have been worth much, but it took a big effort from us.

"Like it was at the Vicente Calderon [against Atletico], the more difficult the match became, the players were able to dig deeper and net the second and third goals."

Real remain four points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga after the Catalan outfit beat Levante 2-1, setting up a potentially decisive clash at the Bernabeu when both sides meet next Saturday.