Clásico: Alfredo Stefano Criticizes Tactics While Rafael Nadal Defends Ploy

Real Madrid honorary president Alfredo di Stefano believes Jose Mourinho's side is inferior to arch rivals Barcelona and lacks personality.

Numerous publications including the Guardian, Sports Illustrated and Soccerway reported Di Stefano, Madrid's honorary president, saying the Portuguese coach's team showed no “personality.” He praises Barcelona's superiority, saying they “treat the ball with adoration and respect.”

Madrid meanwhile “just run back and forth constantly, tiring themselves out” and with the team's approach “clearly not the right one.”

Mourinho opted for a defensive lineup against the reigning league champions, playing central defender Pepe as a holding midfielder in a bid to limit the effectiveness of Barca's star-studded midfield.

The ploy to an extent was successful, considering the fact that Barcelona failed to create anything substantial for most parts of the game and it would give the Real Madrid side belief going into the next game with the Catalan giant.

Rafael Nadal on the other hand, defended the supremo's tactics at the Bernabeu.  

According to Marca, Nadal, a Real supporter, voiced his belief that the under-fire Portuguese coach did not deserve such criticism.

"Madrid has undergone many changes in recent years and it has been difficult to develop a playing system," he was quoted as saying on Goal.com

Real Madrid next plays Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final at the Estadio Mestalla on Wednesday.