Jose Mourinho has leapt to the defence of his Real Madrid players in the Spain squad, claiming that it is not just about Barcelona's players.

Many have made the comparison between the two sides, with Spain breaking several passing records at Euro 2012.

However, despite there being seven Barcelona players in the Spanish squad, Mourinho has defended the representation of players from his own club in the national team.

He told Marca: "They talk about the national team and Barcelona but there are also five players from Real Madrid.

"I don't understand why they mix them because they are two distinct things. Spain isn't Barcelona.

"Barcelona were the champions of Spain. And I repeat, were the champions because now they are not."

Spain face Croatia in their final group game on Monday evening.