Guardiola refuses to discuss controversy

Xinhua, April 30, 2011

FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola this Friday refused to discuss the controversy resulting from last Wednesday' s Champions League semi-final between his side and Real Madrid.

Barcelona' s 2-0 win in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in a bad tempered game has caused a huge amount of fallout with UEFA opening charges against Real Madrid far various incidents.

Barcelona also asked UEFA to investigate declarations from Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who implied Barca had won the game and their previous European titles with the help of referees and the governing body of European football.

Madrid responded to that action by denouncing Barcelona to UEFA for the over-reaction of some of their players, feigning injury following challenges.

Guardiola was questioned about the events, including his club' s decision to ask for action to be taken against his opposite number, but beyond giving the action his general support, the Barca coach was diplomatic.

"I am employed by the club and I have to support the action of the club. I have nothing to say about Madrid' s action against my players. I defend my players. I will talk about the Champions League on Monday ahead of the return leg," said Guardiola, who then turned his attention to Saturday' s BBVA Primera Liga game in San Sebastian where his side will defend their 8 point lead at the top of the table.

"We have to win, we still need seven points to assure the title, that is a lot and tomorrow we need to win the first three in San Sebastian."

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