Mourinho: I want all my players to stay
Reuters - Monday 02 January 2012, 18:59
Jose Mourinho does not want
any Real Madrid players to leave in the January transfer window,
the La Liga club's coach said on Monday.
"I have not asked for any signings and I have been clear I
wouldn't like it if anyone left," the Portuguese told reporters.
"The players know it, the board of directors too," said
Mourinho ahead of Tuesday's King's Cup last-16 first leg tie at
home to Malaga. "I would like to start and finish the season
with the same players."
Some of the squad members at La Liga leaders Real that
rarely get playing time have been linked in the media with moves
to the English Premier League, including Spain centre back Raul
Albiol and midfielder Esteban Granero.
Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, who competes for a place
in the forward line with France international Karim Benzema, is
a target for Chelsea, according to reports.
Turning to Tuesday's game, Mourinho said Malaga would want
to prove their mettle after spending more than €100 million on players since they were bought by a member of
the Qatari royal family in June 2010.
"We are speaking about a team that made a huge investment
and for sure they want a return and I think the cup is a target
for them," added Mourinho.
If Malaga can get past holders Real their opponents in the
last eight will be 2011 runners-up Barcelona or Osasuna, who
play their first leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
Mourinho will be without Spain defender Sergio Ramos and
Argentina winger Angel Di Maria for the game at the Bernabeu.
Both players have minor muscle tears were left out of the squad,
Real said on their website.