The Portuguese coach has often made headlines for all the wrong reasons but claims that he has never launched a verbal attack on officials or opponents without good reason
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho insists that he is a good loser and that he only lashes out after a game if he feels his side have been the victims of injustice.The Portuguese is regarded by many as the finest coach in the world but has caused controversy wherever he has worked because of his outspoken nature.
However, Mourinho insists that he is nearly always gracious in defeat, citing Madrid's Champions League semi-final shoot-out heartbreak against Bayern Munich as a case in point.
"I am a good loser," the two-time Champions League winner told NTV on Thursday.
"We were sad when we lost the Champions League, but nothing happened. I just went to the Bayern dressing room to see their happiness, and shared in it.
"What's different is when we lose by something unjust. I cannot stand that."
It was then put to Mourinho that there appears to be two sides to his character, given his apparent fondness for courting controversy, but he rejected the insinuation of hypocrisy.
"Maybe [I have two personalities], but it depends on the situation," the former Porto, Chelsea and Inter boss mused.
"But I'm not hypocritical; I like to be honest. I am shy socially, so I feel comfortable in football.
"Football has given me a lot, but it has also taken away a lot. Success in football was my dream since I was a kid and it has given me an economic situation which means I will not have financial problems for the rest of my life.
"However, it has also taken away my privacy and my way of doing simple things."
Meanwhile, Mourinho explained that while he would like to see Hamit Altintop remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will not stand in the midfielder's way if he wants to move to Turkey.
The former Bayern Munich man has failed to nail down a regular berth in the starting line-up since arriving in the Spanish capital last summer and is reported to be on the verge of joining Galatasaray.
"Hamit is a very important player in Turkey," Mourinho said. "I have a great relationship with him as he is a great player and a great person.
"I would be happy if he stays, but if he wants a change of scenery, it's his life. If he wants to return Turkey - if that's what he wants for his career - we will facilitate that."
Mourinho arrived at the Bernabeu in the summer of 2010 and this season led Madrid to a record points haul on their way to the Primera Division title.
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