Mourinho congratulates Barcelona on La Liga title

Jose Mourinho has congratulated Barcelona, after their status as new La Liga champions was confirmed on Saturday, the night his Real Madrid team drew 1-1 with Espanyol.

Los Blancos went behind early in the game, but Gonzalo Higuain, who has been linked with a move to Juventus and Arsenal, levelled up. The result mathematically handed the title to the Catalans.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Barcelona, their coaches, their players, their fans,” the 50-year-old manager told reporters after the match.

“I think the logical thing to do is congratulate them. Last year we won and spoke of a great title achieved, and now I think it makes sense and is the least we can do to give due importance to their achievement.

Mourinho, is who also rumoured to be close to a move back to Chelsea, also played down dropping Pepe, who criticized his handling of goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

“You are always talking about a player and it does not seem relevant. The league has a new champion and you’re talking about a player. I’m the coach. I don’t need to justify anything,” Mourinho said.

“From the first to the last day I’ll always decide who plays. I have the option of sometimes sharing the reasons for my decisions and other times, not.”

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