Pep hits back at Jose

Madrid - Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola abandoned his customary restraint and lashed back at his Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho on the eve of the Spanish giants' Champions League semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho had criticised Guardiola at an earlier news conference on Tuesday for comments attributed to the Barca coach about a refereeing decision in last week's King's Cup final when a Pedro effort for his team was ruled out for offside.

Guardiola responded by telling reporters he never criticised referees and that his comments had been misinterpreted.

Using strong language, he laid into Mourinho, who was an assistant Barca coach when Guardiola was a player there in the 1990s, in an uncharacteristically emotional outburst.

"Because Mr Mourinho used my name directly I will do the same," he said.

"Away from the pitch he has had the upper hand so I award him his own personal Champions League for that.

"We worked together for four years. He knows me and I know him and that's what I will remember and focus on.

"It leaves a bad taste when someone you have worked with believes what he reads rather than you.

"If you think I complain about referees then great, there is nothing I can do."