Valdano denies rift with Mourinho
Reuters - Thursday 20 January 2011, 23:37
MADRID - Real Madrid director general
Jorge Valdano has quashed media reports his relationship with
coach Jose Mourinho had broken down.
"There are no problems between Mourinho and I," former
Argentine international Valdano said at a club event when asked
about reports on Wednesday that Mourinho was unhappy and
thinking of leaving at the end of the season.
"He is our coach, the man who must lead us to triumph, and
the team is proving to be very competitive under him."
It was the second time in less than a month Real had to deny
reports about a rift involving the pair.
Valdano has a powerful position as president Florentino
Perez's right-hand man while the outspoken Mourinho is someone
who likes to have total control of his team and coaching staff.
The Portuguese told a news conference last month he had no
personal problems with anyone at the club after complaining Real
officials were not doing enough to support his criticism of
referees he believed favoured opposing teams.
"I can deny the personal relationship (with Valdano) is
bad," the former Inter Milan and Chelsea coach said at the time.
Asked about his relationship with Valdano after Real knocked
city rivals Atletico out of the King's Cup and booked a place in
the last four on Thursday, Mourinho replied: "No comment."
He added that he intended to stay until the end of the
season and beyond "as long as everyone is happy".
Mourinho, who joined Real on a four-year contract at the end
of last season, has also expressed frustration at the club's
failure to find a replacement for injured striker Gonzalo
Higuain who will be out for four months due to back surgery.
"We are working on signing a striker and may have definitive
news on that subject this week," Valdano said on Thursday.
"It's all about being better each season and we are better
now than we were in the previous campaign. We expect to keep
this up."
Real are four points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga and
host Real Mallorca on Sunday.