Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta commented after the team’s win at Deportivo that the club have never shown an interest in Real Madrid’s Pepe.
The Portuguese has been the subject of discussion during the international break, first for his post-Clasico war of words with Andres Iniesta and then for allegations that the Catalans had taped his performances against them during the 2010-11 season.
His Coach Jose Mourinho, chose to take the discourse in another direction at Friday’s Press conference by suggesting that the Catalans were once fond enough of the defender to try signing him.
“Mourinho did not say Barca, right?” rhetorically asked the former goalkeeper.
“On our list of possible signings, Pepe has never been there. Since 2010 when I have been here, Pepe has never been on our list.
“This is neither with that of the technical secretary nor the sporting area of the club.”
Zubizarreta then was asked of his view on the performance of the referee in Saturday’s nine-goal thriller between Deportivo and Barcelona.
Discussion surrounds the award of the first-half penalty to the home side and of the red card shown to Javier Mascherano in the second half.
“I do not know, there were so many circumstances in the game I would not want to analyse it by just one play. That is for review by the Competition Committee.
“I have found that there have been many mistakes for many cards. The match was not as hard as it was or needed that much work because of the referee, though. I’ll settle for looking at mine and talking about the videos.
“The game itself? Well, we have been pushed throughout the game. It seemed that we had decided matters but they made it very long.
“This sport is wonderful, I was thinking that in 90 minutes an entire season had passed. It was beautifully crafted, individual actions. We have seen goals of every kind. The fans have also been great.”
The sporting director also had a brief comment on Lionel Messi, who again proved decisive for the visitors.
“He has scored three goals. Leo is used to travelling, coming and going and he is important to us. He goes to the hospital for a fortunate circumstance, the birth of his child.”
