Marc Bartra accuses Jose Mourinho of trying to distract from Real Madrid defeat

Marc Bartra has criticised Jose Mourinho after the Real Madrid manager discussed other issues following his side’s 1-0 defeat by Real Betis in La Liga.

Real Betis secured an impressive victory over Real Madrid in the fourth round of the Spanish league, with Troy Parrott scoring the only goal of the match.

Bartra, the Real Betis defender, questioned Mourinho’s approach during an appearance on the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito.

“I watched the documentary about Jose Mourinho, I think he likes to distract attention by talking about other things,” said the Spanish defender.

The comments represent an early exchange in what could become a war of words between the two sides after a result that left both clubs level on nine points in the table.

Bartra later acknowledged Mourinho’s standing in the game but made clear that he did not want the focus to move away from Real Betis’ achievement.

“He is a great manager, but I prefer to talk about Real Betis and our victory over Real Madrid,” he added.

The defeat left Real Madrid in second place, despite their nine-point total, while Real Betis also moved to nine points and occupied third position.

Parrott’s goal proved decisive as Real Betis held on to claim all three points against Mourinho’s side. The result was also the first La Liga defeat Mourinho had suffered during his second spell in charge of Real Madrid, and it came in only the fourth round of the competition.

Bartra’s remarks focused on what he viewed as an attempt to shift attention towards subjects away from the match itself. Rather than continue that discussion, the defender directed the spotlight back towards Real Betis and their victory.

Mourinho’s return to the Real Madrid dugout had therefore begun with an unbeaten opening three league matches before the loss to Real Betis in the fourth round. The result also ensured that Real Betis kept pace with Real Madrid in the standings, with both teams on nine points after the match.

For Bartra, however, the main message was the significance of Real Betis’ performance. He praised Mourinho as a manager while making it clear that the Andalusian club’s win, rather than the surrounding debate, should remain the central subject.