Kanoute: Mourinho playing mind games

Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute believes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho’s vocal criticism of referees is a ploy to influence the officials.

Kanoute’s side face Real Madrid at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.

Mourinho has been publicly critical of referees throughout the season, claiming that officials have treated his Real side unfairly.

But former Tottenham striker Kanoute believes the Portuguese manager’s constant complaints are intended to influence the officials in Real’s favour.

“This is all a tactic. I don’t think that they really think that,” Kanoute said.

“I don’t think that the referees are against Real Madrid, not at all. You have to have more confidence in the referees, thinking that they aren’t going to fall into this trap. That’s what I hope.”

“It seems a little aggressive, but I don’t think that people are stupid either. It’s just to motivate the team, and I hope that on the pitch everything will be in good spirit.”

Kanoute is also unperturbed by his side being the underdogs heading into the clash, and thinks they have what it takes to cause an upset.

“It doesn’t bother us at all not to be favourites. We will play our role, but we won’t have any troubles.”

“We have the level to match Real Madrid.”