Jose Mourinho

[kiko]

Hi brothers: He is the man that produces winner out of nothing , the best motivator in managing Football. He is none other than JOSE MOURINHO. Now i shall shares a profile of him.

José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho, GOIH (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʒuˈzɛ moˈɾiɲu]; born 26 January 1963 in Setúbal, Portugal), is a Portuguese football manager. He is the current manager of Italian Serie A team Internazionale. He has the nickname "The Special One", a self-proclaimed title which was later taken up by the British media.[2]

The son of Portuguese goalkeeper José Félix Mourinho, Mourinho started out as a player but he was dissatisfied with his lack of skill and switched to management. After spells working as an assistant manager and a youth team coach in the early 1990s, he became an interpreter for Sir Bobby Robson. There, Mourinho learnt much from the veteran coach and worked with him at Sporting Lisbon, Porto in Portugal, before following him to Spanish club Barcelona.

He began focusing on coaching and impressed with brief but successful managerial periods at Benfica and União de Leiria. He returned to Porto in 2002, this time as head coach, and soon became a force to be reckoned with, winning the Portuguese Liga, Cup of Portugal and UEFA Cup in 2003. Greater success followed in 2004 as Mourinho guided the team to the top of the league for a second time and won the highest honour in European club football, the UEFA Champions League.

Mourinho moved to Chelsea the following year and won two consecutive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, among other domestic honours. He often courted controversy for his outspokenness, but his victories at Chelsea and Porto established him as one of the world's top football managers, well regarded by both his peers and the press. Additionally, he was named the world's best football manager by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) for both the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons.

After a fall-out with the Chelsea hierarchy, he moved to Italy's Serie A, signing a three-year contract with Internazionale in mid-2008. Within three months, he had won his first Italian honour, the Supercoppa Italiana, and completed his first season in Italy by winning the Serie A league title. He then followed that up the following year by winning the first "treble" in Italian history, the Serie A league title, Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League, thus becoming the third manager in football history to win two UEFA Champions League with two different teams, after Ernst Happel and Ottmar Hitzfeld.

[kiko]

I shall share this clip with brothers :

YouTube - Remeber Jose Mourinho = The Special One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ai5C-pBhc)

[kiko]

Inter Milan have confirmed they have reached an agreement over compensation for Jose Mourinho and he will now be presented as the new head coach of Real Madrid on Monday.

Madrid sacked Manuel Pellegrini on Wednesday and outlined their intention to replace him with Mourinho once both they and the Portuguese had negotiated his release from Inter.

The two clubs had been struggling to reach a compromise as Inter were insisting they must be paid the full €16 million due to them under the terms of Mourinho's contract.

However, an agreement, reported to be worth €8 million, has been reached after a meeting between Real president Florentino Perez and his Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti in Milan.

A statement from the Italian club read: "The president Massimo Moratti and Florentino Perez met this afternoon.

"In light of the excellent and constructive relations of friendship that exist between the two clubs, an agreement was reached on the contractual clause that binds Jose Mourinho to FC Internazionale. The time and the manner by which the agreement will be honoured has been defined.

"Massimo Moratti thanks Florentino Perez for his willingness to join him in Milan and for his courtesy, which confirms, once again, the strong link between the two prestigious club.''

Real director general Jorge Valdano said earlier on Friday that the reason for Pellegrini's sacking was that the board believed the Chilean's record in Real's key games was not good enough.

"Pellegrini created a very good working environment, avoiding dressing room conflicts and he had an impeccable record in the league," Valdano said. "But in the most important games of the season he was not able to succeed and so we decided to dismiss him.''

Valdano was also adamant striker Gonzalo Higuain would not be leaving the Bernabeu despite speculation in England linking him with big-spending Manchester City.

Higuain was Madrid's leading scorer in the Primera Division with 27 goals in 32 appearances in the recently-completed season and his fellow Argentinian insists he is not for sale.

Valdano said: "Higuain is under contract for three more years. He has been a benchmark for others and is not available for transfer.''

[kiko]

Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho Asks For Inter's Cristian Chivu - Report

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is working on a plan to sign Cristian Chivu from Inter, according to Sport.es.

The coach has spoken to Florentino Perez and asked for the Romanian left-back after learning that landing Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus is impossible.

And the move could reopen the gateway to Maicon after those negotiations came crashing down.

Mourinho feels Marcelo on the left side is not enough and wants cover and is hopeful of reaching a deal for Chivu as Inter have Davide Santon who can take his place.

However, Massimo Moratti has stressed the need to keep players and coach Rafael Benitez is unlikely to yield his grip on the treble-winning squad.

[kiko]

Hey brothers, today i went to Peninsula plaza saw the sports shop there selling the new season Real madrid Jesery :

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-54220479093095_2115_5907216877

[kiko]

Granero: "Mourinho expects the best from us and puts forth his best, too"

Alberto Navarro / Translation by realmadrid.com

Esteban Granero held the first player press conference of the season on Saturday and took the opportunity to discuss the two new faces at Valdebebas, Jose Mourinho and Pedro Leon.

"Mourinho's methods are clear. We don't have long workouts, but they are very intense. We like his methods because we believe a lot of ball work is a positive thing."

"He is a hands-on coach and he is very demanding. He expects the best from us and puts forth his best, too. We welcomed him as he deserved to be welcomed and we believe he will lead us to great things."

"I feel a close connection with Pedro Leon because of our history with Getafe. He has a lot of potential. There is no doubt he will fight with the rest of us for a starting role."

"Spending so much time with teammates after such a long break is good for us both on the field and off. Eating together on daily basis is very convenient and we take advantage of the facilities we are provided."

[kiko]

Pedro Leon (Murcia, 24-11-1986) is a midfielder who usually plays down the right wing. Only 23 years of age, he has already played for Murcia, Levante, Valladolid and Getafe, and he has also been an international six times for Spain’s Under-21 side.

Pedro Leon is a solid winger with excellent touch on ball with both his feet. He is a fast player capable of playing down both wings and is also very skilled at taking set pieces.

The new Real Madrid signing began his career in Mula, Murcia, as a member of the Muleño academy and later playing for Nueva Vanguardia Alcantarilla before signing for Real Murcia. He made his Second Division debut with the latter in 2005. Leon played 71 games and scored 10 goals during his three seasons at the club. He signed for Levante in the summer of 2007 and stayed with on for one season, during which he played 27 games and scored 3 goals.

On 1 September 2008, Pedro Leon signed for Real Valladolid. He played 36 games with the club during the 2008/09 campaign and scored six goals. Getafe signed the player in the summer of 2009 and he subsequently had his best season in the First Division, taking part in 42 matches and netting 9 strikes.

Coach Iñaki Saez called him up to join the Under-21 national team on 31 January 2007 and he debuted in a friendly against England. He has been capped 6 times and has scored one goal for Spain.

[kiko]

Mourinho: No titles this season means failure

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will consider his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu a failure unless the Spanish giants win the Primera Division title or the Champions League.

Madrid have failed to win the Primera Division since 2007 and picked up their last Champions League trophy in 2002, but Mourinho insists the club's trophy drought must end now.

"If we don't win the league or the Champions League (this season), it would be a failure,'' he told ESPN.

In the league, Mourinho's Madrid will look to bring an end to the domination of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, who have won the last two titles.

"Barcelona have a different dynamic right now (to Madrid), a philosophy going back a lot of years, players who have been together for many years and a coach who is approaching his third year,'' he said. "(But) at Madrid the most veteran player is (Iker) Casillas, who is 29, and the coach has just arrived.''

And Mourinho knows his side will also have to compete with well-established sides in Europe, such as Barca, Manchester United and his former clubs Chelsea and Inter Milan.

"It's the same story in the Champions League,'' he said. "Manchester (United) have a coach and a team (that have been together) for many years. Chelsea have a structure (that has been in place) for many years, Barcelona the same and Inter have had a structure for three years.

"They are teams that at the start of the season have a different potential, but we will try to work hard and we will give our all to get there. Real Madrid have a history of victories and when the club doesn't win, it's a problem.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=819231&sec=europe&cc=4716

Jose Mourinho bemoaned Real's poor finishing aft his 1st league match in Spain ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw away 2 Real Mallorca.

The result means Barcelona hv alrdy opened up a 2-point lead over Mourinho's Madrid thanks 2 their 3-0 thrashing of Racing Santader.
Mourinho said he needs more time 2 work with his players but the Portuguese mastercoach knows he can't afford 2 slip 2 far behind Barcelona, who lost just once last season.

Mourinho was satisfied with his side's defending and build-up play but costly misses from Gonzalo Higuain in particular made for an unhappy La Liga debut for the former Chelsea and Inter boss.

"One positive is that from a defensive point of view we didn't have any problems," Mourinho said. "Another positive is the enormous number of chances we created in the second half. The negative is obviously the result. It is important to defend well and score when you are not at your best and we are far from our best. We didn't play well but we did enough to win. We had five or six chances but didn't take any of them and I am disappointed about that. We were solid defensively and if we had scored we would have taken the three points."

In a further worry for Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo picked up an injury in the match. The club's record signing is expected to undergo tests on Monday ahead of the international break. Mourinho admitted the timing of the break, which means his international players will be absent for most of the next two weeks before his home debut against Osasuna, was not ideal given his need to work with the squad.

"We need time to work on things but we don't have much time at the moment. There is nothing we can do about it," he said. On the immediate concession of the title race lead to Barcelona, he added: "There is a big difference between the finished product and a team in construction, like we are."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=819973&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=4716

Mourinho: New-look Milan are Real threat

Former Inter coach Jose Mourinho believes AC Milan k emerge as UCL contenders tis season following the arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic & Robinho.

Milan signed striker Ibrahimovic on loan fr Barca & acquired Brazilian forward Robinho fr ManC on the final day of the transfer window.

Mourinho has been paying close attention 2 Milan's transfer dealings as his side will face the Rossoneri in UCL Group G. Auxerre & Ajax r also in Group C.

Mourinho, who departed Inter in the summer after guiding the Nerazzurri to a Coppa Italia, Serie A and Champions League treble, has no regrets over his decision to leave Italy.

"I don't think any Italian coach misses me just as I don't miss them," he said. "I do speak to [Inter Milan president Massimo] Moratti every week. We are friends. He is part of my history just as I'm part of his.

"I hope with all my heart that Inter wins the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and the FIFA Club World Cup, but not the Champions League. But I am a professional and when I end a chapter, I end it without regrets."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=301878&cc=4716

Real Madrid v Osasuna

Real hv been boosted by the rapid return 2 fitness of CR as they take on Osasuna in their 1st home match of the new Primera Division 2010/2011 season.
Ronaldo had initially been expected 2 be absent 4 around 3 wks aft picking up an ankle injury in the season-opener @ Real Mallorca a fortnight ago, which would hv ruled him out of the game & Wednesday's Champions League clash with Ajax.

However, the world's most expensive player only looks 2 hv missed Portugal's 2 Euro 2012 qualifiers as he has been included in Jose Mourinho's 20-man squad for tis wkend's match, & is set 2 take his spot in the first XI.

Mourinho has not lost a home league match in 8 yrs but insists he is happy 2 put the record he built up at Porto, Chelsea & Inter on the line if it means the diff between Madrid winning & drawing.

Kaka, Fernando Gago, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay are missing for the nine-time European champions due to fitness concerns, while Mahamadou Diarra has been omitted.

Madrid drew their opening fixture 0-0 at Mallorca, while arch rivals Barcelona began the defence of their title with a 3-0 win at Racing Santander.

Osasuna, who have lost 25 of their 32 visits to the Bernabeu down the years, winning just twice, started their campaign with a goalless stalemate at home to Almeria.

Coach Jose Antonio Camacho, a former Madrid coach who also won 9 league titles 4 the capital club as a player, is looking 4ward 2 returning 2 his old stomping ground despite his side being major underdogs.

The Pamplona-based side lost 3-2 last season after conceding an 89th-minute goal 2 Ronaldo & were beaten 3-1 the campaign b4. Osasuna led 3 over the 2 matches.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301878&league=ESP.1&cc=4716

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Osasuna

Jose Mourinho enjoyed a winning home debut as Real their Primera Division campaign up & running with a narrow victory over Osasuna.
Centre-back Ricardo Carvalho netted the only goal of the game jz aft HT 2 give Real the spoils in a match they dominated but struggled 2 finish off a battling Osasuna side.

The result lifts Madrid onto 4 pts aft Mourinho, who has not lost a home match in 8 yrs during his time @ Porto, Chelsea & Inter, saw his side held goalless at Real Mallorca in their season-opener a fortnight ago.

With tis win,it lifts them 1 point above arch-rivals Barcelona, who suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat 2 promoted Hercules earlier.

The Madrid fans cheered tat result when it came up on the Bernabeu scoreboard @ the start of 2nite's game, but those same supporters seemed far less impressed 45 minutes later by the disappointing fare offered in the 1st half by their new-look side.

Osasuna goalkeeper Ricardo Lopez had just 1 proper save 2 make in the opening period when he deflected away CR's 1st-time shot in the 22nd minute following good work by Mesut Ozil.

Ozil was 1 of Real's liveliest players on his home debut, & he was also involved in his side's next-best opportunity in the 39th minute.

A misjudgment by Damia Abella allowed Ozil 2 break free on the left & he immediately threaded the ball in2 the middle for Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain scored from a similar situation in Argentina's 4-1 friendly win over world champions Spain in midweek aft rounding Jose Reina & sliding home from an acute angle.

However, this time he could only find the side-netting fr a tight position aft skipping past Ricardo.

There were signs of discontent in the Bernabeu crowd as the players left @ half-time, but they were cheering just 3 mins in2 the 2nd half as Real took the lead.

3 of Madrid's summer signings were involved as they launched a clinical breakaway 2 score just moments aft finding themselves defending a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Sami Khedira gained possession aft Osasuna had failed 2 make the most of their dead-ball opportunity & he sent German team-mate Ozil scampering down the wing.

Ozil then picked out Ronaldo inside the area, & although his 1st-time effort was blocked by Ricardo, the £80 million man managed 2 poke the loose ball 2 Carvalho, who slotted in his 1st competitive goal for the club.

Higuain had a great chance 2 make it 2-0 in the 63rd minute aft being put clear by Ronaldo, but Ricardo did well 2 stick out a left hand & deflect the striker's shot behind 4 a corner.

A minute later Ozil also had a 1-on-1 with Ricardo aft another Ronaldo through ball, but the 21-year-old's scoop over the Osasuna custodian landed just wide of the far post.

Higuain and Ronaldo were both denied by fine saves from Ricardo in the closing stages as Madrid continued 2 search for a 2nd goal 2 finish the game off.

Real were unable to net again but they were hving few problems dealing with Osasuna at the other end & were ultimately able 2 record a comfortable, if not goal-laden, home victory.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=823713&sec=euro2012&cc=4716

Portugal seek Mourinho talks

[jonlovemiao]

Jose will replace fergie at old trafford when the great Sir Alex Ferguson finally calls time on his career...

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=824030&sec=europe&cc=4716

Jose Mourinho unlikely to take on Portugal role

The Special 1 has admitted it is unlikely he will take temporary charge of Portugal, but stopped short of ruling himself out entirely.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have earmarked Mourinho as the man they want 2 lead the national team qualifiers against Denmark on October 8 & Iceland 4 days later while they go about appointing a full-time successor 2 Carlos Queiroz, who was sacked last week.

Mourinho has admitted it is unlikely he will take temporary charge. In a press conference on Friday, reported on www.marca.com, he said: "If it were not 4 Real Madrid I would do it 4 free. But if you ask me right now if I can go, I think not. I hv a contract with Real. I do not say no, but in the natural way of things, I do not think this is the time.

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes former Inter Milan, Chelsea & Porto boss Mourinho has enough on his plate @ the Bernabeu & will not be interested in taking on the role.

Reports in Portugal claimed FPF president Gilberto Madail had travelled 2 Madrid to meet with Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, in an attempt to broker a deal.

Former FPF president Joao Rodrigues has accompanied Madail on the trip, according 2 the reports, as he has good connections in Spain tat could help secure Mourinho's short-term release.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302003&league=ESP.1&cc=4716

Real Sociedad 1 - 2 Real Madrid

Real provisionally moved 2 the top of the Primera Division table aft defeating Real Sociedad in a hard-fought & end-2-end encounter at the Anoeta stadium last nite.
Madrid rode their luck on occasion against a fired-up Sociedad side in the first half b4 taking a 51st-minute lead through Angel Di Maria's superb strike.

That advantage lasted just 11 minutes though before veteran striker Raul Tamudo brought Sociedad back on level terms - the first goal Madrid have conceded in 4 competitive games under new coach Jose Mourinho.

Madrid were not to be denied their first away win of the campaign though and they took the spoils thanks to a huge slice of luck in the 74th minute.

CR, looking for his first goal of the season, fired in a 25-yard free-kick that took a big deflection off team-mate Pepe standing in the wall and Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo could only stand and watch as the ball ballooned past him and into the far top corner of the net.

The victory lifts Madrid on to seven points from three games and to the top of the standings, although they could be replaced tomorrow depending on how Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Sevilla get on in their matches.

Mourinho predicted a tough test for his side ahead of the clash with promoted Sociedad and he was to be proved correct.

The visitors went close through Di Maria and Ronaldo early on, but Sociedad looked for all the world to have taken the lead in the 25th minute when Antoine Griezmann was put through by Tamudo and toe-poked a shot goalwards.

Sociedad coach Martin Lasarte was not the only person in the ground celebrating as the ball beat Casillas and appeared to nestle in the back of the net, but the shot actually went wide of the post before hitting a board just behind the goal.

Madrid survived another close shave six minutes later when Xabi Prieto's low cross looked destined for Tamudo at the far post before Ricardo Carvalho stuck out a foot and deflected the ball inches wide of the post.

It was not until the start of the second half that the deadlock was broken though, and it was a memorable way for summer signing Di Maria to net his first goal for Madrid, cutting in on his less-favoured right foot and curling an unstoppable shot into the far top corner of the net.

Madrid's lead was short-lived however as, after three games in which he has barely had to make a save, Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas was finally beaten.

Griezmann's free-kick from near the left touchline was inch-perfect for Tamudo, who escaped from Carvalho to divert the ball high into the net with his thigh from three yards out.

That was the former Spain forward's second goal in successive games for Sociedad since his summer move from Espanyol, but it was not enough to deny Madrid the spoils as Portuguese duo Ronaldo and Pepe inadvertently combined to put Mourinho's side back in front.

Mourinho was left fuming after almost seeing Sociedad equalise with seven minutes left, a deflected cross almost beating Casillas, but it was Madrid who looked the more dangerous late on with Higuain, Ronaldo, Marcelo and Karim Benzema all going close to netting a third goal.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=825709&sec=europe&cc=4716

Sneijder's agent reveals Real interest
September 22, 2010

Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder has been sounded out by 4mer boss Jose Mourinho abt joining him @ Real, according 2 the player's agent.

Sneijder was the lynchpin of Mourinho's side last season as they swept all b4 them 2 win a Champions League, Serie A & Coppa Italia Treble.

After netting 8 times 4 the Nerazzurri & creating many more in their trophy-laden campaign, he went on 2 star @ the WC 4 Netherlands, scoring 5 goals 2 help the Oranje 2 the final, where they lost 2 Spain.

Mourinho failed in an attempt 2 bring Sneijder's Inter team-mate Maicon 2 the Bernabeu over the summer, but the Dutchman's agent Soren Lerby has revealed tat the 'Special One' also considered luring his client back 2 the club fr which he was unceremoniously sold last summer.

And with negotiations over a new Inter contract no nearer 2 completion, Lerby admits tat while Sneijder is happy @ the San Siro, the presence of Mourinho @ Real means a return may not be out of the question.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=826365&sec=europe&cc=4716

Benzema expects to get chance under Mourinho

Real striker Karim Benzema is confident he will get a chance 2 shine @ the Santiago Bernabeu & has dismissed reports he is hving problems with new manager Jose Mourinho.

Benzema joined Real fr Lyon in a €35 million deal last summer but struggled 2 make an impression in his 1st season in Spanish football. He subsequently lost his place in the France squad 4 WC2010 & was criticised 4 his attitude in training.

However, the pacy striker came off the Real bench 2 score his 1st goal of the season in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Espanyol & now expects 2 be part of Mourinho's plans.

"We r talking a lot 2gether. Really I have no problem with him," the 22-year-old told French newspaper L'Equipe. "I know he likes me & he relies on me.

"During training sessions, he's always breathing down my neck, 4 me 2 give my very best. He is very demanding & 2 me it is a good sign. Tat means he counts on me.

"Frankly, I feel fine both mentally & physically. I am convinced my turn will come. It is up 2 me 2 be decisive when I get an opportunity. Even with just a few minutes."

Mourinho has revealed he is happy with Benzema's progress in recent weeks.

"I'm enjoying his play more," Mourinho said. "@ tis time, he deserves more minutes than I'm giving him. I hv alot more confidence than I had in him a month ago."

[joew2005]

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101005/tsp-fbl-euro-2012-por-esp-mourinho-47c0590.html

Mourinho 'bitter' at missing out on Portugal job

Real coach Jose Mourinho admitted on Tuesday tat he still felt "bitter" @ not being able 2 take up the offer of coaching his native Portugal 4 2 Euro 2012 qualifying games.

Portugal had asked if Mourinho could take the reins 4 the next 2 Euro 2012 qualifiers, following the dismissal of previous coach Carlos Queiroz, only 4 his club Real Madrid 2 block the move.

Mourinho, 47, said tat while he could understand Real's position he would hv liked 2 help his national team.

"For 2 days I felt & thought like the Portugal coach. & I liked it," he wrote in an article published on the website of the Association of Football Coaches.

"But I hv 2 admit tat Real is a giant institution, which 'bought' me fr Inter (Milan), who pay me, & who cannot run the risk faced with their shareholders & followers."

"In retrospect, it's an easy decision 2 understand," said Mourinho, adding tat he "still had a bitter taste @ not being able 2 help the Seleccao".

Former Inter boss Mourinho, who last year won the 2nd Champions League title of his career, wished new Portugal coach Paulo Bento the best.

"Portugal now hv a coach & he should be recognised by everyone as 'our coach' and 'the best'," added Mourinho.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=835340&sec=europe&cc=4716

Madrid destroy Racing, Barca cruise

Real crushed Racing Santander 6-1 in their La Liga clash @ the Bernabeu on Sat nite as they returned 2 the top of the La Liga table.

The star 4 Jose Mourinho's men was CR, who put in a sensational performance, netting 4 goals 4 Los Blancos. Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring aft 10 mins & Real nvr looked back, with Ronaldo adding a brace 2 make it 3-0 aft half an hour.

Another 2 fr the Portuguese 4ward, including a penalty, & 63rd-minute strike fr Mesut Ozil completed the home team's scoring, with Santander claiming a consolation goal thru Markus Rosenberg with 17 mins remaining.

Barca had earlier secured a comfortable 2-0 victory @ Real Zaragoza courtesy of 2 goals fr Lionel Messi.

Messi - who struck a hat-trick @ La Romareda last season - broke the deadlock towards the end of the 1st half when he ran onto David Villa's through-ball b4 slipping the ball beyond Zaragoza gk Antonio Doblas.

He completed the scoring on 66 mins when he fired home the rebound aft Andres Iniesta had seen his shot blocked.

Valencia - league leaders @ the start of October - saw their recent dip in form continue as they went down to a 2-1 defeat @ home 2 Real Mallorca.

Valencia had won all but 1 of their games in La Liga prior 2 last week's 2-1 defeat 2 Barcelona, but they looked out of sorts in the Champions League draw against Rangers in midweek.

On Saturday, they were 2 goals down inside half an hour at the Mestalla as a Gonzalo Castro brace - the 1st a penalty - put Mallorca in control. Roberto Soldado reduced the arrears shortly afterwards fr the penalty spot, but the hosts were unable 2 find an equaliser.

Current Table Standing:
1 Real Madrid P8 W6 D2 L0 GS22 GA4 GD+18 Pts20
2 Barcelona P8 W6 D1 L1 GS14 GA6 GD+8 Pts19
3 Villarreal P7 W5 D1 L1 GS14 GA6 GD+8 Pts16
4 Valencia P8 W5 D1 L2 GS13 GA8 GD+5 Pts16
5 Atlético Madrid P7 W4 D1 L2 GS12 GA7 GD+5 Pts13
6 Espanyol P7 W4 D0 L3 GS6 GA9 GD-3 Pts12

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301910&league=ESP.1&cc=4716

Ronaldo late show seals Real comeback

CR struck 2 late goals & had a hand in the other as Real fought back fr an early deficit 2 down giant-killers Hercules & ensure Jose Mourinho's in-form side remain top of the Primera Division standings.

Promoted Hercules hv already beaten Barcelona & Sevilla tis season as well as holding Villarreal 2 a draw & they were on course 2 add Madrid 2 tat list aft taking a 3rd-min lead thru David Trezeguet.

However, Madrid stormed back aft half-time 2 take the points, with Ronaldo once again 2 the fore.

The world's most expensive player, who struck 4 times in last weekend's 6-1 victory over Racing Santander, took his league tally 2 11 4 the season with 2 goals in the last 8 mins 2 seal the victory aft Angel Di Maria had struck a 52nd-min equaliser.

Ronaldo was also involved in tat goal, with his 25-yard strike being spilled by Hercules goalkeeper Juan Calatayud b4 being pounced on by Di Maria.

Tonight's victory continues Madrid's unbeaten start under Mourinho, which includes 10 wins fr 13 competitive games, while it also improves the capital club's remarkable record @ Jose Rico Perez stadium.

In 20 visits 2 Hercules' home ground, Madrid hv still 2 lose & hv now picked up 16 victories. Tat unbeaten record looked in some danger, though, aft Hercules went ahead with the 1st opportunity of the match.

Tiago Gomes sent over a right-wing cross & Trezeguet, hving peeled away fr marker Pepe, guided a pinpoint header back across Iker Casillas & in2 the far top corner of the net.

That was only the 5th goal Madrid hv conceded under Mourinho, & 1 they still trailed by going in2 the break.

The visitors had a couple of chances 2 get back on terms, prior 2 the interval, Calatayud producing good saves 2 deny Ronaldo & Gonzalo Higuain in quick succession, but they could easily hv been 2-0 behind with Casillas making a point-blank stop 2 keep out Trezeguet's header.

Mourinho opted not 2 make any changes @ the break, & he was rewarded 4 his loyalty as his charges drew level jz aft the re-start.

Calatayud failed 2 cleanly gather Ronaldo's shot, which had bounced awkwardly just in front of him, & Di Maria nipped into plant the loose ball in2 the roof of the net.

Madrid dominated possession & territory aft tat as they sought the win, & they gradually increased the pressure on the home net with Sergio Ramos, Higuain & Ronaldo all going close.

Time was beginning 2 run out, but Madrid got the goal they were searching 4 in the 82nd min thanks 2 Ronaldo.

Marcelo did well down the left b4 setting up substitute Karim Benzema, whose shot was well-saved by Calatayud but fell perfectly 4 Ronaldo 2 side-foot home fr close range.

Benzema, who has found himself under the spotlight aft struggling 2 impress with the Spanish giants, was also involved 4 mins later as Madrid netted their 3rd 2 finish the game off.

Di Maria put the France international through on the rite & his cut-back was fired in2 the roof of the net by Ronaldo via a slight deflection.

Ronaldo, who is averaging almost a goal a game 4 Madrid since his £80 million move fr Manchester United in 2009, spurned a great chance 2 net his hat-trick late on.

But it mattered little 2 the final result as Mourinho's men ensured they would go into next weekend's derby with Atletico in top spot.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=841307&sec=europe&cc=4716

Mourinho hit with ban

Jose Mourinho has been handed a 2-match touchline ban following his dismissal during his side's 5-1 Copa del Rey win over Real Murcia on Wednesday.

Mourinho was sent fr the dugout in the 38th minute 4 protesting 2 much 2 referee Jose Luis Paradas Romero.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has responded by banning him 4 2 matches, meaning he will be absent fr the dugout 4 tis Sunday's Primera Division trip 2 Sporting Gijon & the following Saturday's clash with Athletic Bilbao @ the Bernabeu.

A statement on Madrid's official website read: "The Competition Committee of the RFEF has handed a 2-match suspension 2 Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho 4 his dismissal in the 2nd leg of the Copa del Rey match against Real Murcia.

"Tis body has banned him 4 the clashes against Sporting & Athletic '4 addressing the referee with contempt - Article 117'."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=844815&sec=europe&cc=4716

Ronaldo unimpressed by eight-goal Barca

Real Madrid star CR paid little heed 2 Barca's 8-goal mauling of Almeria as the Primera Division's 2 big guns each warmed up 4 next week's Clasico with comprehensive victories.

Barca equalled a 51-year-old club record 4 their biggest away victory in La Liga by demolishing Almeria 8-0 @ the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos on Saturday night.

That result saw Pep Guardiola's side briefly take over top spot in La Liga, but Madrid reclaimed pole position aft thumping Athletic Bilbao 5-1 @ the Bernabeu in the evening's late match.

Ronaldo appeared far fr concerned abt Barca's result, saying: "The 8-0 @ Almeria doesn't tell me anything, lets see if they score 8 goals against us on Monday."

Aside from pitting the top 2 teams in La Liga against each other, El Clasico should also see the 2 leading goalscorers in the division go head 2 head.

Barca ace Lionel Messi took his tally to 13 for the season with a hat-trick against Almeria, but Ronaldo then did likewise against Athletic 2 stay 1 goal clear on 14.

Despite tat impressive tally, Ronaldo insists his main aim 4 the season is team success rather than individual glory.

He said: "We r very happy 4 the win & I'm also very happy 4r scoring 3 goals, but the important thing is tat we continue being leaders. I'm fighting 2 win the league, not 4 the Pichichi (leading goalscorer in La Liga)."

Ronaldo might hv been celebrating another goal against Athletic if he had taken the 57th-minute spot-kick awarded 2 his side.

The Portugal international is Madrid's regular penalty-taker & scored fr the spot in injury-time 2 complete his hat-trick, but for the 1st kick it was, rather surprisingly, defender Sergio Ramos who stepped up.

Ramos duly slotted his penalty in2 the top corner 2 put Madrid 3-1 up, & Ronaldo said afterwards: "Sergio told me 2 leave it 2 him & I'm not going 2 argue with him over a penalty. He's my team-mate & a great friend. The goal will help Sergio gain more confidence."

Ramos said of the incident in AS: "On the pitch every1 was surprised. There's usually an order, but I was confident & had a thorn in my side becos I hadn't scored & normally I hv a decent goal average. I hope tis is the start of a good run."

Barca & Real go head-to-head on 29 Nov @ Camp Nou.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=845027&sec=england&cc=4716

'Proud' Mourinho inducted into LMA Hall of Fame

Jose Mourinho was inducted in2 the League Managers Association's Hall of Fame on Sunday, claiming his time in England was "the best time of my career so far".

The former Chelsea manager, now in charge of Real Madrid, was speaking as a guest of honour @ the LMA's annual Hall of Fame dinner @ London's Park Lane hotel.

On joining Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Bob Paisley & Arsene Wenger in the Hall of Fame, Mourinho said: "I m veri proud of tis becos I m not British & I spent jz over 3 yrs in the Barclays Premier League - which is not a significant time 2 create a big history.

"But the time I spent here was the best time of my career so far - & tat's despite winning the Champions League in Portugal & Italy. 2nite is special 4 me as I get 2 see ppl I like veri much & respect. I still hv a home here & me & my family r still in love & will always be in love with tis country. So 2 be back is almost 2 be at home.

"The atmosphere, the intensity & the emotion in England is something you cannot compare with other countries & 4 somebody who is really in love with the game, as I am, tis is the place where you enjoy it the most.''

The LMA encourages younger coaches who 1 2 be managers 2 serve an apprenticeship & hv a mentor - & Mourinho spoke of his time learning fr Sir Bobby Robson @ Barca.

He explained: "I was a lucky man becos I hv had some crucial moments in my career & 1 of the crucial moments was when I had the chance 2 work with him - not jz becos he was as a great manager but he was a great person. I think everybody who had the chance 2 meet him & had a few moments, or in my case a few years, felt privileged.

"I learned so much fr my experiences with him. I always remember with a little smile tat aft I was upset aft a defeat he said 'don't be sad becos in the other dressing room some1 is bouncing around with happiness' - so I always remember good moments with him & every moment was a good 1.''

United boss Ferguson, now 69, said tis week he has no intention of retiring & 47-year-old Mourinho is also hoping 4 a long career in management.

He explained: "I hope he continues 4 yrs & I get 2 face him a few more times. When I m in my 50s or 60s, I also see myself still in football with the same ambitions & desires. So I understand why he 1s 2 continue. It was the same with Bobby Robson. I see myself continuing 4 many years.''

On his own career Mourinho said: "In the beginning I had the pressure becos I went in2 management aft not being a top player, so I had a lot of things 2 prove. Aft Porto the pressure was the question 'k he achieve abroad?' Everything then went well in England. Italy is the home of tactics, so the question then was 'is he a good leader & a good tactician, k he compete in tis world of football?' Yes I could.

"Now I go 2 Spain & everybody says 'Real Madrid is an incredible club, a club different 2 any other club - k he cope with it?' So I m trying 2 prove tat I k & step by step, stage by stage with tis new challenge it motivates me more & more.''

Mourinho is looking 4ward 2 next Monday's El Classico with Spanish title rivals Barcelona @ the Nou Camp.

He added: "It is a different game 4 me becos when I played Barcelona in the Champions League with Chelsea & Inter, it was stay in the competition or go out. Tis is a league game, so yes it is against a rival & yes it is 1st against 2nd but tis game is 1 of 38 matches in the Spanish Championship.''

The event also focused on the FA Cup & LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: "2nite has been a unique evening, bringing 2gether football managers past & present, celebrating their achievements in 1 of the game's most famous cup competitions...& Jose Mourinho added 2 a truly memorable evening.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=845277&sec=transfers&cc=4716

Mourinho awaits Kaka boost

Jose Mourinho says there is no need 2 go back in2 the transfer market in January 2011 as the return of Kaka will be Real Madrid's "big signing".

Mourinho had initially been keen 2 bolster his attacking options when the window reopened, & there had been suggestions tat Kaka - ruled out 4 4 mths aft undergoing knee surgery in August - could be on his way back 2 AC Milan or even Inter.

However, Mourinho has now made clear tat he expects Kaka 2 play an important role in the side.

"Our big signing in the winter window will be Kaka," he told the official FIFA website. "He'll be a fantastic boost 4 us. How many clubs k sign a Kaka in January? There r no players of his calibre on the market."

There hv also been suggestions Karim Benzema could be sold, but Mourinho says he has been impressed by the France striker's change in approach.

"Karim has 2 understand tat he's not playing by himself, tat he has 2 be more of a team player & work really hard, especially in training," he said. "He's doing jz tat & I'm pleased 2 see how his attitude has changed.

"He's starting 2 get the level of involvement tat he deserves. I expect a lot fr him - I 1 him 2 be as good as or better than the player I 1st saw @ Lyon. I know how gifted he is & tat's why I push him."

Mourinho again said he intends 2 manage in England again b4 the end of his career, but he stressed he was happy in his current role with Real Madrid.

"I 1 2 go back 2 the Premier League, no doubt abt it, but I'm not in any hurry," he said. "Real Madrid r a fascinating club & I really enjoy working here.

"Tat's why I'm jz focusing on doing a good job @ Madrid - I 1 2 make history here like I did with Porto, Chelsea & Inter.

"My goal is always 2 make the fans of my club happy & 2 improve my players' self-worth, & I don't 1 things 2 go any differently @ Real Madrid."

He added: "Real Madrid r playing well. I'd even go so far as saying veri well in certain games, but my team aren't the finished product yet. We've still got a lot of ground 2 cover.

"You can't build a team overnite as if by magic. We hv 2 work hard day in, day out, while staying humble, professional & enthusiasm. Tat said, I'm very happy with our performances & the results so far."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=846227&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=4716

UEFA charges Mourinho and co

UEFA has charged Jose Mourinho with improper conduct following the controversial 2nd yellow cards earned by Xabi Alonso & Sergio Ramos in Real Madrid's 4-0 victory @ Ajax.

Alonso, Ramos, goalkeepers Iker Casillas & Jerzy Dudek hv also been charged.

A statement read: "UEFA has confirmed tat a disciplinary case has been opened against Real Madrid 4 the improper conduct of coach Jose Mourinho & players Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas & Jerzy Dudek during the UEFA Champions League Group G match against AFC Ajax in Amsterdam on Tuesday."

It has been suggested tat, aft the result was secure in Amsterdam, Alonso & Ramos deliberately sought 2nd bookings by timewasting in order 2 serve their suspensions in the final group game - a dead rubber against Auxerre - & clear their slates 4 the knockout rounds. Pictures appear 2 show Mourinho passing on instructions to the duo via Dudek & Casillas.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body will consider the case on November 30.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=845761&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=4716

Mourinho plays dumb over red cards

Jose Mourinho refused 2 be drawn on the red cards tat seemed 2 be intentionally picked up by Xabi Alonso & Sergio Ramos in Real Madrid's Champions League win over Ajax, while Ramos denied they tried 2 get sent off.

Alonso & Ramos both picked up 2nd yellows 4 time-wasting late in Madrid's impressive 4-0 away triumph, meaning they will be suspended 4 wat is now a meaningless game against Auxerre & start the knock-out phase with a clean slate on the bookings front.

The farcical nature of the second bookings, where each player repeatedly stuttered when taking set pieces until referee Craig Thompson had no choice but 2 act, clearly indicated a ploy by the Spanish World Cup winners 2 make early exits once the result - & Madrid's top spot in Group G - was certain.

But Mourinho was not letting on as 2 whether the instruction had come fr the bench, instead deciding 2 criticise Thompson 4 handing out soft yellow cards earlier in the match.

When he was asked abt the red cards, Mourinho said: "I spoke with many players throughout the game, not only with Ramos & Alonso. Stories sell, but the important thing is the 4-0 win & the fantastic game we had. Let's talk abt tat & not other things.''

When quizzed on the subject again, Mourinho said: "The sendings-off came aft an easy game where the referee has shown some strange yellows. They r cards tat I don't like. It was an easy game 2 control. Ajax made a lot of fouls & in the 1st fr Ramos he was shown a yellow card.

"The red cards we picked up don't matter hugely as we hv already qualified ahead of the next game against Auxerre. If Ramos & Alonso can't play against Auxerre then there will be others, but we r not going to gift the game 2 the French. We 1 2 win them all.''

Ramos insisted Madrid did not deliberately seek the cautions 2 get suspensions out of the way b4 the knock-out stages.

Ramos said in AS: "We haven't gone looking 4 the cards. Seeing wat the scoreline was, the referee could hv spared them. But he sent me off & tat's it.''

Mourinho, still unbeaten in his new job, was delighted with the performances of his side's fringe players as Karim Benzema & Alvaro Arbeloa put Madrid 2-0 up @ half-time b4 CR netted a 2nd-half double 2 complete the scoring.

Mourinho, who was without several 1st-team regulars 4 the match, said of the victory: "I'm veri happy, becos we're 1st in our group, which is good bearing in mind practically all the best teams will finish 1st & we k gain a small advantage in the draw 4 the L16.

"I'm veri happy with players such as Arbeloa, Benzema, (Raul) Albiol & Lass (Diarra), who don't normally play & hv responded magnificently. 4 me all the players r fundamental. Everyone is going 2 hv their opportunity. The responses tat they hv given 2day hv been very good. The players r ready 4 everything, & tat makes me happy.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=846378&sec=europe&cc=4716

Mourinho expects Clasico show

Jose Mourinho has promised 2 contribute 2 a football spectacle tat the whole world k enjoy when his Real Madrid side visit Barcelona 4 El Clasico on Monday.

The meeting of Spain's 2 best sides is as eagerly anticipated as ever, but the fact tat it is Mourinho's 1st match @ Camp Nou as Real coach has certainly added 2 the occasion.

Mourinho formerly worked as assistant 2 Sir Bobby Robson & Louis van Gaal @ Barcelona, b4 forging his own career during high-profile spells with Porto, Chelsea & Inter.

However, he angered Barca fans during his time @ Chelsea when the 2 clubs met in the Champions League & also knocked the club out of the competition last season when taking Inter 2 the Treble.

Inter's tactics were designed 2 stifle a fluid Barcelona side but Mourinho does not appear ready 2 issue similar instructions 2 Real as they prepare 2 face the Catalans on Monday.

"It is our responsibility 2 put on a great game - the coaches, the players & the referee," Mourinho told As. "We hv 2 give the world a super game."

Real currently lead Barca by 1 point in the league & such is the 2 clubs' dominance over the rest of the division, Monday's game has been painted as an absolutely crucial 1 in the title race.

El Clasico will be a novel experience 4 Real's young summer signings Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira & Angel Di Maria, & Mourinho admits he is unsure hw they will respond 2 the fearsome atmosphere.

"You nvr knw how the team will react," Mourinho said. "Physically we r fine & know what 2 do, but we face a team tat has had a lot of time working 2gether & we hv only had a few months. But, in any case, we must be prepared 4 any eventuality."

[waiwaiz]

Yo.....tonite barca will take on real madrid...Don miss d game even its 4am in the morning. i take r madrid to draw ( 3.15 sgpool) not bad.........

i believe in mourinho :)

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301858&cc=4716

Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Madrid

A 2nd-half brace fr David Villa led Barcelona 2 an incredible 5-0 rout of Real Madrid in El Clasico & saw the Catalans leapfrog their fierce rivals - who lost for the 1st time under Jose Mourinho - @ the top of the Primera Division.

Mourinho had gone unbeaten in his 1st 19 games in all competitions since joining Madrid in the summer, but the Portuguese was unable 2 avoid defeat in the biggest 1 of all as Pep Guardiola maintained his perfect record as Barca coach in El Clasico with a 5th straight victory over Real.

Xavi & Pedro put Barca 2 up within 17 mins, while Villa made it a night 2 remember @ a packed Camp Nou with 2 goals early in the 2nd half & substitute Jeffren Suarez added a 5th right @ the end.

2 add insult to injury 4 Madrid, they finished the match with 10 men aft Sergio Ramos pushed Carles Puyol in the face late on.

It was some revenge 4 Barca & Guardiola - aft Mourinho, then coach of Inter Milan, knocked the Catalan side out of the Champions League @ the semi-final stage last season here.

Mourinho handed a rare start 2 France striker Karim Benzema, out of favour 4 most of tis season, aft Gonzalo Higuain failed a late fitness test. Guardiola, though, was able 2 field his strongest XI, which of course included Lionel Messi.

And the Argentina winger, yet 2 score against a side coached by Mourinho, almost did so aft 5 mins, when he beat Madrid 'keeper Iker Casillas with an exquisite chip fr a tight angle, only 2 see his effort rebound off the post.

But 4 mins later, Barca did go ahead.

Andres Iniesta's perfectly-weighted through-ball found Xavi & the midfielder took 1 touch 2 control, albeit with some fortune, b4 clipping the ball past Casillas on the volley fr close range.

Angel di Maria tested Victor Valdes with a stinging effort @ the other end 2 mins later, but Barca made it 2-0 in their very next attack.

It came aft 17 minutes & was scored by Barca's number 17 - Pedro. The Spain forward was left with a simple tap-in fr close range aft Casillas failed 2 deal with Villa's low cross fr the left.

Tat followed a long passing move fr the home side & the Catalans looked good 4 their lead.

An unseemly brawl followed aft half an hour, when CR pushed Guardiola in the chest, with the Barca coach hving refused 2 hand the ball 2 the Portugal winger on the touchline. Ronaldo was shown the yellow card & received huge jeers every time he touched the ball aft that.

The former Manchester United 4ward came close with a free-kick later in the half & also saw a decent penalty appeal turned down aft he went 2 ground following a challenge with Valdes. Messi was booked 4 simulation a minute b4 the interval 4 exaggerating a foul by Ricardo Carvalho.

Barca began the 2nd half brightly & aft Xavi & Villa missed good chances early on, the latter made it 3-0 with only 54 minutes on the clock.

The Spain striker latched onto Messi's pass & beat Casillas with a clinical finish in the area, although he looked 2 be marginally offside when the ball was played.

The same combination made it 4-0 3mins later as Messi set up Villa once more & the former Valencia forward slid the ball through Casillas' legs as the 'keeper came out 2 narrow the angle.

The Camp Nou was rocking aft tat & Barca dominated right until the end. Substitute Bojan Krkic saw his fierce effort saved by Casillas & was unable 2 stay on his feet as he raced clear moments earlier.

But Jeffren, who replaced Pedro with 3 mins left, did make it 5 in added time when he clipped the ball past Casillas fr close range aft a low cross fr the right.

Madrid's misery was compounded right @ the end as the visitors finished the game with 10 men aft Ramos hit out @ Puyol & was shown the red card.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=851293&sec=europe&cc=4716

Alves plays down Mourinho efforts

Barca defender Dani Alves believes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho attracts 2 much praise.

Mourinho has enjoyed a hugely successful career so far, winning trophies with Porto & Chelsea b4 his Treble @ Inter last season, & - the 5-0 defeat @ Camp Nou aside - he has made a convincing start 2 life @ the Bernabeu.

Alves, though, believes Mourinho has received 2 much credit 4 his teams' achievements.

"They talk abt Mourinho as though he invented football," he is quoted as saying in Marca. "It seems as though he wins every game fr the bench.

"He's a great coach, but he has been working with a lot of veri good players. He creates media headlines & uses his armoury 2 gain an advantage."

Alves' future remains unclear as he is out of contract in 2012 & Barca r struggling 2 reach an agreement over an extension.

The player has stressed that he 1s 2 stay @ the club & ruled out any talk of a switch 2 Madrid.

"If it were up 2 me, I would end my career in Barcelona," he said. "If I hv 2 leave, then I would say it is certain tat I would not play in Madrid. The Madrid train has passed a long time ago."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/865132/?cc=4716

Sneijder issues come & get me plea

Off The Ball never rests in its mission 2 scratch around the underbelly of professional football 2 find the most bizarre, humorous & inexplicable stories.

Tis week, Wesley Sneijder attempts 2 sweet talk Jose Mourinho @ FIFA's awards gala, Tuncay hawks his wares on Facebook, Edin Dzeko scores an own goal @ Manchester City, FIFA bend over backwards 4 Qatar & the greatest goal in the world.

Sneijder: Rescue me!
With the transfer window wide open it's perfectly normal 4 disgruntled players 2 issue a come-&-get-me plea but Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder took it 2 whole new level tis wk, using his FIFPro World XI acceptance speech 2 effectively implore Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho 2 sign him up.

The Netherlands international, who won the Treble during Mourinho's reign @ the San Siro, took time out fr praising his wife & fellow XI 2 gush: "1st of all it was a great pleasure 2 work with Jose Mourinho & I 1 2 tell him tis on stage. He is 4 me the best coach in the world.

"I suffered greatly under Rafa Benitez. It's not the same w/o u. If we r reunited @ the Bernabeu we k conquer the world 2gether." Okay, so he didn't actually say tat last part but it was in his pleading eyes. See 4 yrself .

The gushing praise even brought a tear 2 the eye of Mourinho - who will now presumably be working on some kind of swap deal - jz moments b4 he was officially crowned the FIFA World Coach of the Year.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/866353/jose-mourinho-welcomes-ruud-van-nistelrooy-rumours?cc=4716

Mourinho welcomes Ruud rumours

Jose Mourinho says he would be only 2 happy if Real Madrid lured Ruud van Nistelrooy back 2 the club prior 2 the close of the January transfer window.

Real hv been linked with a range of strikers - including Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor - following a long-term injury suffered by Gonzalo Higuain tat has left the club with only Karim Benzema as a recognised striker.

Van Nistelrooy, 34, is another name believed 2 be under consideration, despite only leaving the Bernabeu 2 join Hamburg 12 months ago.

The Dutchman scored 64 goals in 96 games 4 Real in all competitions between 2006 & January 2010, winning back-2-back titles in 2007 & 2008, & Mourinho would be keen 2 see him return 2 the Spanish capital.

"There r lots of names being mentioned," Mourinho said. "If in the end it's Ruud I'll be very happy.

"We coincided in England & I know him well as a player & a person. I'd be very happy if it's him. It would be very good 4 us 2 hv another attacker becos we hv not many & we hv a lot of matches 2 play.

"At the moment he is a Hamburg player & we need 2 respect tat situation. I don't 1 2 talk of Van Nistelrooy. For you (the media) it's easy. I hv 2 respect Hamburg."

The player himself claimed he would think abt the move.

"I need a good weekend 2 mull it over,'' he said. ''It is also not easy 4 me, it is not any old team who is coming in 4 me."

HSV sporting director Bastian Reinhardt, however, told Sky tat he expects Van Nistelrooy 2 honour his contract, "There is only 1 trend: he stays!

"Of course it is always an honour 4 a player when a request fr Real Madrid comes. But we didn't get any offer yet & also the timing, being so close 2 the start of the 2nd half of the season, is not perfect, as you k imagine.

"The player knows tat there is an request, but the player also knows tat he has a contract."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/868601/jose-mourinho-coy-on-long-term-real-madrid-future?cc=4716

Mourinho coy on long-term Real future

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has refused 2 commit his future 2 the club beyond the end of the current season, fuelling speculation tat he is considering quitting the Bernabeu.

There hv been widespread reports in recent days tat Mourinho 1 2 leave Real @ the end of the season following a massive fall-out with the club's sporting director Jorge Valdano.

The allegations were vehemently denied by Valdano on Thursday but aft Real beat city rivals Atletico in the Copa del Rey 2 progress to the semi-finals, Mourinho was coy on his long-term future & suggested he would review his situation @ the end of the season.

"The world is full of rumours, but they're not all true,'' Mourinho said. "Regarding my future, we'll see wat happens @ the end of the season.

"Contracts aren't the most important thing in football. If all the parties r happy @ the end of a campaign, they remain 2gether. If they aren't, they don't.''

B4 the match, Valdano had moved 2 quash reports of a rift when saying: "There r no problems between Mourinho & I. He is our coach, the man who must lead us 2 triumph, & the team is proving 2 be very competitive under him.

"It's all abt being better each season & we r better now than we were in the previous campaign. We expect 2 keep tis up.''

But the Portuguese manager's latest comments hv added fiurther fuel 2 the rumours tat he will leave Real aft just 1 season in the hotseat, with some corners of the Italian & Spanish press suggesting tat he could make a sensational return 2 Inter Milan.

Mourinho has been keen 2 bring in an extra striker as cover 4 the injured Gonzalo Higuain, but so far the club hierarchy hv resisted entering the January transfer market.

1 set of fans who would seem 2 be happy 2 see Mourinho go r the Atletico fans, who barracked him throughout Thursday's games, with chants tat included "Mourinho die''.

But the former Chelsea coach insisted the abuse fr Atletico supporters did not bother him.

"I hv no problems with the crowd's chants against me,'' he said. "Atletico hv a great fan base. They packed the stadium despite the 3-1 score of the 1st leg & the cold weather.

"They hoped to see an intense match & they nevertheless stayed until the end aft Ronaldo's goal. They r a fantastic crowd tat deserves all my respect.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/869844/?cc=4716

Mourinho linked with Drogba swoop

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is 2 test the resolve of Chelsea with a cheeky bid 4 star striker Didier Drogba, according 2 reports.

The former Chelsea boss wants 2 be reunited with Drogba, 32, aft initial negotiations 2 recruit ManC's Emmanuel Adebayor broke down, the Sunday Mirror reports.

Mourinho is so eager 2 recruit a striker following a long-term injury 2 Gonzalo Higuian tat he has fallen out with Real's general manager Jorge Valdano, who is reluctant 2 recruit another forward on a permanent basis with out-of-favour Karim Benzema sat on the Bernabeu bench.

Valdano was asked aft last Sunday's draw with Almeria abt the progress being made in the hunt 4 a new striker & he said: "We r spectators 2 watever the coach decides. I hope Benzema does not stay on the bench 4 2 long. The situation surrounding him is unfair."

Mourinho responded: "I pick the team, & if I need any help then I hv my coaching staff."

Despite the tensions @ Real, the Spanish club were in talks 2 take Adebayor on loan but when City demanded a £15 million transfer the move broke down.

Drogba, who joined Chelsea @ the same time as Mourinho in 2004 in a £24 million deal, has been out of form since contracting Malaria last year, but Real will send a team of scouts 2 London 2 evaluate the striker.

The Sunday Times reports tat the Drogba, 32, is top of a list of senior players set 2 be sold as Chelsea plan a major overhaul of the squad which won 3 titles in 6 seasons but is now showing its age.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/871547/real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho-plans-to-return-to-premier-league?cc=4716

Jose wants English return

Jose Mourinho is apparently eager 2 secure a move 2 the Premier League with ManU, ManC or Chelsea.

Mourinho left Inter last season aft suffering a difficult relationship with the media & his rival coaches' in Italy, & since arriving @ Real Madrid he has spoken on a number of occasions of his love 4 the English game.

Reports of unrest @ Madrid hv surfaced of late, fuelled by sporting director Jorge Valdano's criticism of Mourinho's decision 2 bench Karim Benzema, & it appears the coach is not planning 2 remain @ the Bernabeu long-term.

"I've decided 2 return 2 England," he was quoted as saying in The Sun. "I hv nothing prepared abt my future - I just 1 2 be happy in my work.

"I hv no preferences abt ManU, ManC or Chelsea. I just 1 2 rediscover the joy. I'm not saying the Premier League is the most spectacular in the world but it is the best organised... the fair play & the enormous respect 4 your opponent."

Mourinho, who led Chelsea 2 the Premier League title in 2005 & 2006, has repeatedly been touted as a successor 2 Sir Alex Ferguson @ Old Trafford.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/870758/adebayor-secures-madrid-switch?cc=4716

Adebayor secures Madrid switch

Real Madrid hv signed ManC striker Emmanuel Adebayor on loan until the end of the season, with a view 2 a permanent move.

The Spanish club announced on their website they had reached an agreement with "a unilateral option'' 2 complete the purchase of Adebayor, 4 a fee reported 2 be in the region of £18 million, in the summer.

Their statement read: "Real Madrid CF & ManC FC hv reached a deal tat will see Emmanuel Adebayor play on loan 4 the former club. The player will remain @ Real Madrid until the end of the current season, @ which point the club hold a unilateral option 2 purchase the player.''

Adebayor, 26, joined City fr Arsenal in a £25 million deal just 18 months ago, scoring in his 1st 4 games 4 City, but the Togo international's star faded aft Roberto Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as manager.

The arrival of Mario Balotelli fr Inter Milan in the summer shunted Adebayor further down the pecking order & the arrival of Edin Dzeko earlier tis month effectively pushed him out of the door.

Monaco expressed a firm interest but were unable 2 come up with the necessary finance, leaving the way clear 4 Real, 1s Jose Mourinho overcame some reservations amongst the Bernabeu hierarchy over his desire 2 bring Adebayor - who would be available 4 the Champions League - in as cover 4 Gonzalo Higuain, who is expected 2 miss the remainder of the season with a back injury.

The move is the 2nd high-profile striking departure fr Eastlands in the past 6 months following Robinho's move 2 AC Milan.

Undoubtedly, the high point of Adebayor's time @ City - during which time he scored 19 goals in 43 games - was his 1st appearance against Arsenal last September when he raced the length of the field 2 celebrate in front of the Gunners supporters aft scoring City's 3rd goal.

However, tat day saw the best & worst of Adebayor's character as he incurred a 3-match ban 4 raking his studs down the side of Robin van Persie's face.

As the Real Madrid loan is specifically 2 cover Higuain's absence, it is debatable whether a permanent transfer will follow but it would appear highly unlikely Adebayor will appear 4 the Blues again.

[A Red Devils]

which team will be ?
Man Utd,cos AF is considering retiring.
Man City,they have the cash for him,to buy his choice's players.
Liverpool,i do not think so,cos no cash for him to spend.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/873106/jose-mourinho-again-hints-at-premier-league-return?cc=4716

Mourinho hints at Real exit

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has once again suggested tat he could leave the Bernabeu & return 2 the Premier League @ the end of the season.

Mourinho was lured 2 Madrid aft securing an historic Treble 4 Inter last season but has seen Real fall off the extreme pace set by Barcelona in La Liga, as well as becoming embroiled in disputes off the pitch.

He has had a well-publicised disagreement with sporting director Jorge Valdano over the club's pursuit of a new striker, which ended with the loan signing of Emmanuel Adebayor tis week, & the coach's use of Karim Benzema.

Now Mourinho has suggested tat a return 2 England is very much a possibility 4 the former Chelsea manager, with ManU & ManC sure 2 be linked with the self-titled 'Special One'.

"It's always important 4 me & my family 2 be happy & I love English football & my family love England," Mourinho said in the Sunday Mirror. "I hv always maintained I will return 1 day but maybe it will come sooner than I expected.

"If you 1 2 build something England is the place 2 do it. The culture, the atmosphere & the fair play r unlike anything anywhere else.

"Besides I 1 2 live in England again. My family loved it here. We still hv a house in England & they come back frequently. And if my family r happy then I am happy."

Mourinho has even been linked with a possible return 2 Chelsea, the club where he won back-2-back Premier League titles in 2005 & 2006, but the Real coach says his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich is a complicated 1.

"I was nvr under any illusions," he said. "I understood the personality of Roman Abramovich & the culture of the people around him, & knew it was not a job 4 ten yrs.

"My role was 2 give tis man what he wanted - victory - knowing tat, sooner or later, my time would finish, becos there were 2 many things going on around me."

[joew2005]

With the 1-all draw away @ Sporting Gijon last nite, Barca only managed 2 further extend their lead over Real by 8 points (62 points fr 23 matches played)... for @ least 24 hours.

Jose Mourinho's Real hv a chance 2 cut tis lead 2 only 5 points(57 points fr 23 matches) 2nite, when they play Espanyol away 2nite.

With only 16 games remaining 4 Real & 15 games remaining 4 Barca, Real hv 2 take these chances.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/886509/la-liga:-depor-dent-real-title-hopes?cc=4716

Deportivo dent Real title hopes

Real Madrid's title hopes suffered a damaging blow aft they were held 2 a goalless draw by Deportivo La Coruna, a result tat leaves Jose Mourinho's team 7 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Madrid dominated the match but a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping by Depor custodian Daniel Aranzubia & poor finishing meant the capital club endured another miserable trip 2 the Riazor.

Madrid had gone 18 years w/o a win @ Depor's home prior 2 last season's 3-1 victory, & 2nite's slip-up means Barca r a step closer 2 winning their 3rd successive Primera Division crown.

Lionel Messi, David Villa & Pedro Rodriguez were all on the scoresheet as Barcelona saw off Real Mallorca 3-0 to power on @ the top of the Primera Division standings.

Messi gave Barca a 1st-half lead with his 26th league goal of the season b4 2nd-half strikes fr Villa & Pedro helped Barca move clear of 2nd-placed Real Madrid.

Barca were w/o key quartet Xavi, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes & Dani Alves thru a mixture of injury & suspension, & they looked set 4 a testing night @ the Iberostar Stadium as Michael Laudrup's Mallorca started brightly.

Jose Antonio Reyes netted a late equaliser against former club Sevilla 2 earn Atletico Madrid a share of the spoils with a 2-2 draw in a hugely entertaining clash betw 2 of La Liga's struggling big guns @ the Vicente Calderon.

Sevilla, who this week were knocked out of the Europa League, twice took the lead thru goals fr Alvaro Negredo & Ivan Rakitic but Atletico hit back both times 2 deservedly claim a point.

Teenager Jorge Koke cancelled out Negredo's strike with his 1st league goal 4 the club, while Reyes, who came up thru the youth ranks @ Sevilla, netted Atletico's 2nd equaliser with 14 mins 2 go.

Both clubs will be pleased 2 hv avoided defeat against 1 of their main rivals for a Europa League place, but they could find themselves even further adrift of the top 6 if Athletic Bilbao beat Valencia on Sunday.

Espanyol turned up the heat in the 2nd half 2 secure a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad tat boosts their hopes of qualifying 4 Europe next season.

Espanyol went ahead 3 mins b4 the break courtesy of an Estrada own goal, the Real Sociedad defender turning Alvaro Vazquez's shot past his own goalkeeper. But Estrada quickly made amends by conjuring up an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Espanyol regained the initiative 9 mins into the 2nd half when Sergio Garcia made it 2-1 aft Joan Verdu had supplied an inviting cross fr the right.

Jose Callejon looked 2 hv put the match beyond Sociedad's reach with a 3rd 9 mins fr time aft latching on2 a pass fr Pedro Rui Fonte. And Javi Marquez put the seal on the home side's win with a 4th on the stroke of full-time curling home a 30-yard freekick.

Sporting Gijon were left 2 rue a host of missed chances as they were held 2 a goalless draw by fellow Primera Division strugglers Real Zaragoza.

Carmelo had a goal disallowed late on but Sporting only had themselves 2 blame aft spurning a host of decent opportunities in registering their 3rd straight draw.

Real Zaragoza offered little aft a promising opening but did @ least get a point after suffering back-2-back defeats.

With 25 games played, Barca lead the league table with 68 pts while Real is 2nd with 61 pts.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/889256/jose-mourinho-escapes-knife-attack?cc=4716

Mourinho escapes knife attack

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has survived a knife attack in a Spanish airport which left his bodyguard with a 4cm stab wound.

Mourinho was moving thru the La Coruna airport & signing autographs 4 Real fans last Friday when a man armed with a knife approached.

1 of the Mourinho's minders thought he had been punched by the attacker as they moved thru the crowd b4 discovering a wound near his armpit when they boarded the team bus.

Mourinho was only told abt the full extent of the incident on Friday, a week aft it happened. Police r investigating the attack using security camera footage fr the airport.

El Periodico reported: "Mourinho stopped 2 sign autographs in arrivals, where a large number of Madrid fans were waiting 4 the team. The bodyguard was near the manager & noticed he had been stabbed in the armpit. Mourinho was very worried by the incident."

The club said it suspects the attack was intended 4 Mourinho. It will arrange increased security around its coach while police look in2 the matter.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/888999/real-madrid-star-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-two-weeks?cc=4716

Ronaldo injury blow for Madrid

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be out of action 4 2 weeks with a hamstring injury, the Spanish club hv confirmed.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in Thursday night's 7-0 win over Malaga but limped off the Bernabeu pitch in the 77th minute, immediately aft scoring his final goal.

The Portuguese international, who is joint top scorer in La Liga with 27 goals, had a scan on Friday morning, which confirmed he would need a 10-15 day lay-off.

Ronaldo, 26, has appeared in every league game so far tis season, with his goals helping his side retain a semblance of hope of reducing the 7-point gap betw themselves & Liga leaders Barcelona.

But he now looks set 2 miss Sunday's game with Racing Santander & the subsequent meeting with Hercules, as well being doubtful 4 the 2nd leg of Madrid's Champions League tie with Lyon, which is currently level @ 1-1.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Cristiano Ronaldo has a Grade 1 muscle injury on the left biceps femoris muscle (hamstring). The player will miss 10-15 days. His recovery is being monitored.''

Ronaldo could target the Madrid derby on March 19 to make his return.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/892678/jose-mourinho-to-drop-iker-casillas-to-make-it-easy-for-barcelona?cc=4716

Jose makes Casillas claim

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will be without Cristiano Ronaldo & Ricardo Carvalho 4 Sat's game against Hercules, & has bizarrely threatened 2 leave out goalkeeper Iker Casillas next weekend 2 "make it easy" 4 Barcelona 2 win La Liga.

Mourinho used his pre-match press conference on Friday morning 2 1s again hit out @ the fixture schedule he believes favours Pep Guardiola's side, & claimed he could omit Spain captain Casillas against Atletico Madrid a week later 2 aid Barca's cause.

"Iker won't be with us becos he won't be in the squad against Atletico [next weekend]," he said. "If they 1 2 end the league b4 time, I might as well make it easy 4 them."

Ronaldo & Carvalho hv been left out of Mourinho's squad, with Ronaldo recovering fr injury & Carvalho rested with Wednesday's Champions League last-16 2nd leg against Lyon in mind. Lassana Diarra returns aft suspension, though, while Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Khedira & Ezequiel Garay r back fr injuries.

Mourinho reiterated his unhappiness with the fixture schedule, which he claims has worked in Barca's favour.

"We r in a situation where as soon as we drop a point we lose the championship, although not mathematically so," he said. "I am not stupid & I know tis.

"There is a team tat played in the Champions League on Tuesday & hv no game in the league until the following Sunday [Barca tis week], while another one is forced 2 play in Europe on Wednesday & then Saturday in the league [Madrid next week].

"Not every1 has the same chance 2 compete. Not every1 plays under the same rules. The competition is not open. I will not comment further."

Madrid defend the best home record in La Liga against a Hercules side with just 1 away win tis season, but Mourinho's men will know better than 2 underestimate the Alicante-based outfit.

Hercules hv picked up only 6 points on their travels - the 2nd-worst tally in La Liga - & netted only 3 goals, but 3 of those points & 2 of those goals came in their shock victory over Barca @ the Camp Nou in September.

However, Madrid hv won their last 23 successive games @ the Bernabeu, & in 13 league fixtures in front of their own fans tis campaign they hv scored 44 goals & conceded just 6, with their last home game resulting in a 7-0 thrashing of Malaga.

Tat form makes 2nd-placed Madrid overwhelming favourites 2 defeat 3rd-bottom Hercules. A home win would provisionally cut Barca's lead @ the summit to 4 points, with the Catalan giants facing a tough trip 2 Sevilla on Sunday.

While Madrid r still in contention for 3 titles tis season, Hercules r fighting 2 avoid an immediate return 2 the Segunda Division.

The top-flight newcomers had looked set 2 stay up with relative ease earlier in the season as they proved themselves a tough opponent, especially 4 La Liga's big guns. Aside fr their win over Barca, Hercules also beat Sevilla, drew with Villarreal & thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-1.

However, they hv picked up just 7 points fr a possible 33 in 2011 & now find themselves in the bottom 3 following last weekend's 2-1 home defeat 2 fellow strugglers Almeria.

The promoted club r now a point adrift of safety & r widely expected 2 suffer more misery @ the hands of Madrid 2morrow, although coach Esteban Vigo is not giving up the game 4 lost.

"Winning @ Barcelona also looked difficult," he said. "The thought tat we cannot win @ Madrid has not even entered our heads."

Paraguay forward Nelson Haedo Valdez, scorer of both goals in the 2-0 win @ the Camp Nou, is available again aft injury, but Royston Drenthe, David Trezeguet, Tote & Francisco Pena r all missing.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/892726/real-madrid's-cristiano-ronaldo-set-to-start-against-lyon?cc=4716

Ronaldo to return for Lyon

Jose Mourinho believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit 2 start against Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Madrid secured a 1-1 draw @ the Stade Gerland &, having exited 2 Lyon @ tis stage last year, will hv concerns abt whether they k avoid an 7th successive 2nd-round exit.

Having seen Ronaldo sustain a muscular injury during the 7-0 victory over Malaga, there were suggestions they could also be without their leading scorer.

Ronaldo did not train with his team-mates on Friday &, although he is apparently not experiencing pain, the club's medical staff hv recommended tat he be given extra time 2 make a full recovery.

He has therefore been left out of the squad 4 tis weekend's game against Hercules, but Mourinho has indicated tat the 4ward will be available 4 the crunch European tie.

"The match against Hercules is not the rite time 4 him 2 return 2 match action, but I think that he'll be able 2 start against Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday," he said.

"If he is able 2 train on Sunday, Monday & Tuesday then I believe he will play."

Writing on Twitter, Ronaldo had said on Thursday: "I am resting & hope 2 be back soon."

[digby]

Hope chelsea will be the club luring hime back to EPL. He hinted again and again saying he wants to be back in the EPL.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/893934/gary-neville-dismisses-jose-mourinho-manchester-united-link?cc=4716

Neville dismisses Mourinho link

Gary Neville believes Jose Mourinho could 1 day manage ManU but he insisted Alex Ferguson will remain in the job 4 some time yet.

Neville said he respects the success Real Madrid coach Mourinho has achieved in the game. Mourinho has never hidden his desire 2 return 2 the Premier League, where he enjoyed success with Chelsea b4 leaving in 2007.

Mourinho led Porto 2 the Champions League prior 2 taking over @ Stamford Bridge, & also won the competition with Inter Milan last season.

But Neville cannot see Ferguson, now 69, standing down fr his position @ Old Trafford in the near future. The 36-year-old former England defender played under Ferguson for 20 years b4 hanging up his boots last month.

He told The Sun: "There r many great managers & there's always speculation about who's going 2 take over fr Sir Alex. I'm sure when the time does come, Mourinho is 1 of the candidates who will be mentioned becos of the success he's had elsewhere.

"He's a character. You hv 2 respect people 4 wat they do & he's very good @ wat he does. He's been successful wherever he's been. But it doesn't come in2 my head @ tis moment in time as Alex is still going stronger than ever. It's a waste of time 2 start speculating who will take over fr him.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/894263/mourinho:-real-not-afraid-of-history-with-lyon?cc=4716

Mourinho: Real not afraid of history

Real manager Jose Mourinho believes he k break Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League jinx & qualify 4 the quarter-finals by beating Lyon on Wednesday.

Mourinho brought success 2 FC Porto in 2004 when he led the side 2 the trophy, but his new job @ Real Madrid brings much more pressure 2 bring home silverware in Europe, something they hv not done since 2002.

Madrid hv failed 2 get past the round-of-16 in the last 6 seasons & face bogey-team Lyon, who hv never lost 2 them. However, Mourinho claims tat he will upset the history books by sealing his side's progress 2 the next phase.

"My team r not afraid of recent history; statistics exist so tat we can go out & contradict them," Mourinho told the UEFA website. ''Sure [Lyon] hv quality, but we must eliminate them. "I've already done tat [with Porto] on my way 2 winning the tournament."

Meanwhile, former Chelsea & Real Madrid star Claude Makelele has branded the Portuguese boss 'calculating' & 'cruel' despite his great success.

Makelele told El Confidencial: "Mourinho is a winner. He knows how 2 use u & how 2 motivate you 2 get everything fr you. In these terms he is a great coach. The problem is when you drop off. At tat point he is calculating, cruel and ambitious."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/895152/jose-mourinho-hopes-to-avoid-former-clubs?cc=4716

Mourinho wants no reunions

Jose Mourinho said he hopes 2 avoid the "emotional difficulty" of facing former clubs Inter Milan or Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals aft steering Real Madrid 2 the last 8 for the 1st time in 7 seasons.

Friday's draw will reveal who Madrid will meet next & with no seedings fr the quarter-finals onward, there is a 2-in-7 chance Mourinho will be lumped with 1 of Inter, with whom he won the title last year, or Chelsea.

If Madrid r 2 continue 2 progress aft their 4-1 aggregate victory over Lyon, secured with a 3-0 2nd leg win in Spain on Wednesday night, the chances of meeting a club "in my heart" increase 4 Mourinho but it's a scenario he would like 2 avoid.

"I prefer 2 avoid Inter & Chelsea becos, emotionally, it's difficult 2 play against ex-teams,'' Mourinho said. "If we get them, we get them. We're professionals. If I hv 2 face those who were my ppl, I will do it, but I will be obliged 2 prepare myself more psychologically than against other teams tat aren't in my heart.''

Mourinho also won the Champions League with Porto prior 2 his Chelsea days & he can look 2 the fact his resume is littered with Europe's biggest clubs with pride. His fantastic record in Europe was 1 of the reasons Real brought in the coach & it has paid dividends as they finally got past the hurdle tat has felled them each season since 2004 thanks 2 goals fr Marcelo, Karim Benzema & Angel Di Maria @ the Bernabeu.

Mourinho was happy with his team's performance but played down the fact Madrid had finally reached the last 8 aft years of disappointment.

"Lyon r a good team, 1 of the best in tis year's Champions League, but we deserved 2 win. We played a very complete game & we r in the quarter-finals,'' Mourinho said. "I'm happy & quite relaxed becos it's normal tat we've qualified 4 the quarters. Some day we had 2 get thru - wat wasn't normal was Madrid not getting thru. Not getting thru would hv been a failure becos Madrid always think abt going further than the last 16. We're going in the right direction & the titles r going 2 arrive.''

Madrid had 2 wait until 8 mins b4 half-time 2 make the breakthrough against Lyon, when full-back Marcelo scored a fine goal. The home side then dominated the 2nd period, & further goals fr in-form striker Benzema - who took his tally to 9 in 7 goals aft netting against his former club - & Di Maria sealed a convincing triumph.

Lyon coach Claude Puel felt Madrid were deserved winners, saying: "I think we did things well in the 1st half, especially in attack, & we had a certain amount of possession. We played quite well & seemed 2 be quite dangerous. However, we gave them 2 many opportunities, 2 many easy balls.

"In the 2nd half, the 2nd goal was very bad 4 us. We gave Real Madrid a big gift with tat, & fr tat moment on we didn't hv many opportunities. We didn't know how 2 improve our level of play. We came up against a very good team & all I can do is congratulate Real Madrid because they deserved the win.''

Regarding Madrid's chances of going all the way, Puel said: "I would say tat Real Madrid can make it 2 the end. They hv high individual quality, very good players with good acceleration, and if they carry on playing so strong in defence they have every chance to get to the final stages, but the path ahead is very long.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/896664/jose-mourinho-hails-'tired'-real-madrid-players-after-victory?cc=4716

Mourinho hails 'tired' players

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho heaped praise on his exhausted team aft seeing them edge past local rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 to keep within touching distance of Primera Division leaders Barcelona.

1st-half goals fr the in-form Karim Benzema & Mesut Ozil set Real on their way &, although Sergio Aguero pulled a goal back 4 Atletico with 4 mins 2 go, it was 2 little 2 late 2 save the Rojiblancos fr another derby disappointment.

The result means Real remain unbeaten against their neighbours since 1999 & hv won all 4 mtgs with Atletico tis season, having also beaten them home & away in the Copa del Rey. The victory also allowed Mourinho's side 2 keep within 5 pts of Barca, who defeated Getafe earlier in the evening.

It was not an easy night 4 Real @ the Vicente Calderon though &, having had an emotionally draining Champions League clash against Lyon on Wednesday when the Whites finally made it thru 2 the quarter-finals aft 6 successive last-16 exits, Mourinho admitted fatigue had been a problem.

"They had a week 2 prepare 4 the duel & us, 2 days," said Mourinho. "The team was tired. I was also tired & I'm the coach,'' said the Portuguese, who has been highly critical of the scheduling of his side's matches recently. The 2nd half was difficult. We couldn't hit them on the counter-attack.

"I changed Cristiano (Ronaldo) & Benzema, but Ozil had 2 stay on. We defended as well as possible & we achieved an important derby win.''

Ronaldo was a fitness doubt ahead of the game having been sidelined with a hamstring injury b4 playing 70 minutes in the European triumph over Lyon. Mourinho opted 2 start the Portugal international against Atletico b4 replacing him in the 72nd minute.

"I would like 2 hv rested him, but I didn't 1 the championship 2 end 2day & CR is very important 2 us. It was a risk 2 play him, but you need 2 live day 2 day,'' Mourinho said. "2day he hurts & 2morrow the doctors will examine him. Then we'll see if he goes away with Portugal (on international duty). They r all tired, physically & mentally.''

Mourinho also hailed the performance goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made a string of impressive saves 2 keep Atletico @ bay b4 finally being beaten by Aguero near the end.

"Casillas has done a fantastic job. I like it when my goalkeeper doesn't hv much 2 do in a game, & he had a lot 2 do 2night & he was fantastic,'' said Mourinho. "Atletico hv shown their great spirit & quality of play, & Madrid had an answer 2 those who thought tat the league finished 2day.

"I was very worried (about a late equaliser), but @ the same time I was full of trust in the players' mentality & fighting spirit. I know football & many things happen in the last mins & change the result. But they fought, they gave everything & I'm pleased 4 the players.''

Mourinho was less impressed by the insults & abuse hurled @ Ronaldo & Marcelo fr the home fans though, saying: "Tis is a fantastic stadium 2 play football in with an atmosphere we would like 2 hv @ every ground, but the insults r not good or positive & they spoil a great ground.

"There needs 2 be respect 4 the players & their families.''

Real defender Pepe is anticipating an "intense'' final 2 months of the season.

Pepe said: "The next 2 months will be intense. We will try 2 live up 2 the challenge & make our fans happy. Whilst there is a chance, we will fight 2 the very end. Tat`s wat the coach & our supporters ask us 2 do.''

Looking ahead 2 the clash with Spurs, which will see 9-time European champions Madrid playing in the quarter-finals 4 the 1st time in 7 years, Pepe said: "Our tie with Tottenham will be difficult & we'll hv 2 be good 2 get thru. We will try 2 do our best 2 reach the final, which is so important 4 Madrid.''

Regarding the Copa del Rey final, Pepe added on his club`s website: "Against Barcelona we`ll play a great game. Every1 will be watching.''

Atletico defender Alvaro Dominguez felt his side deserved 2 take @ least a point.

Dominguez told AS: "Tis defeat hasn't left us demoralised, but very annoyed. I think we deserved a draw @ least, tat would hv been the fairer result.

"We've tried, but it was difficult. We knew they were a very hard opponent but we've taken them on, we had our chances & we deserved more than 1 or 2 goals. Tat was the difference. 2 beat a team like tis you need 2 hv an exceptional day.''

Goalscorer Aguero added on his club's website: "Our goal arrived very late & it was difficult 2 draw level. At least we tried but Madrid r a great team who r fighting 4 the league & it`s hard. They don't let you off the hook in front of goal, we tried 2 score but Casillas made some key saves. We did everything 2 draw level but we couldn't.

"Now we need 2 correct the mistakes 4 the next game. We always 1 2 win, more so against Madrid as we haven't done it for 11 years, but we can't do anything abt it & we need 2 continue forward. We 1 2 get in2 the Europa League.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/897656/real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho-confident-of-seeing-off-tottenham?cc=4716

Jose confident of progress

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes his team has the edge on Tottenham & is confident he k end their Champions League odyssey.

Spurs' debut Champions League campaign has already delivered famous wins against Inter Milan & AC Milan, & the reward 4 Harry Redknapp's side is a glamorous last-8 encounter against Madrid.

Mourinho, who won the Champions League as coach of Inter last season, concedes he has some misgivings abt coming up against the tournament dark horses but says he is @ least approaching the tie with more relish than he did last year's last-16 encounter with former club Chelsea.

"I didn't 1 Chelsea-Inter, becos last season it was difficult 2 play against Chelsea," Mourinho said. "I did it, & I did everything I could 2 help my team, but I was not comfortable. I don't like 2 play against my friends.

"Any team is difficult & any team is a motivation 4 us. Tottenham r a good team: they beat Inter, they beat Milan, they hv ambitions, they hv a very good team & a good manager.

"You can feel tat it is a happy team, & happy teams r dangerous teams."

Asked whether Spurs could produce an upset & go all the way, Mourinho added on BBC Radio 5 Five: "It's possible. They hv a not very easy draw, but they hv not had an easy draw fr the beginning.

"But I 1 2 believe, with all respect of course, tat their campaign in the Champions League will finish in the 2nd leg @ White Hart Lane.

"They hv reason 2 be proud already, & I think they hv a reason 2 fight us & 2 try 2 reach the semis, but I believe tat we r a better team."

Spurs hv failed 2 mount a title challenge in the Premier League tis season despite the fact tat the traditional big guns hv dropped points with greater regularity than normal, & Mourinho believes tis perhaps indicates a drop-off in standards.

"[In my 1st season @ Chelsea] you had 2 win & win & win & win, & every point you lost you r in a difficult situation, becos the top teams were winning a lot, in the same way tat we r doing now in Spain," he said.

"At tis moment in the Premier League they r losing a lot of points. Every team had difficult moments, so 4 me it looks like the top teams hv lost a little bit."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/897711/jose-mourinho-confirms-england-return?cc=4716

Mourinho confirms England return

Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will join an English club when he leaves Real Madrid, which he described as the "most difficult club in the world".

The former Chelsea manager, who has previously made clear his fondness of English football, 1s again spoke glowingly of his time in the EPL & said he is looking 4ward 2 working in the country where he most enjoys his life & career.

Mourinho did not indicate he will negotiate an early exit fr his contract in Madrid, which has another 3 yrs 2 run. Depending on the timing of his move 2 England over the next few years, he could foreseeably join any of the Premier League's big clubs & he has spoken of his desire 2 build a dynasty in a longer-term project than the short stints he has been known 4 taking on.

"I miss England & my next job will be in England," Mourinho said in the Sun. "There is unfinished business. And I think England 1s me back, no? It was the most enjoyable time of my career. My Chelsea time was amazing as a football manager & family man. My family & I enjoyed it so much. We made so many friends here. We still keep in touch, we still come back. In football there r a few victories here I would like 2 repeat. I will talk 2 my agent & get a project 4 my career.

"I still hv 3 yrs @ Real Madrid. It is the biggest club in the world but it is also the most difficult club in the world. They came 2 me 4 the 3rd time & I could not say no 2 them 4 the 3rd time - I had 2 go. And I had 2 go 2 Italy, tat was important 4 me becos I wanted 2 try there. Every1 said it was the home of tactics so I said let me try there.

"But it is not England, England is special. People in Italy, Spain & Portugal ask me why I love England so much & I can't explain - I just do. I 1 2 be happy in my work. I 1 2 be happy with my football."

[fatscrewu]

If he is coming back to England, where do you think he will go? Back to Chlesea? Do you think it could be Man City? or a slim chance Liverpool because KD is only for this season. I dont think AF is going to retire so soon and AW is happy at Arsenal.

He is a good manager.

[joew2005]

The Special One already mentioned tat he has 3 more years @ Real.

if it's next season, then ManC looks 2 be the likely place he would be, 2 replace Roberto Mancini.

He wouldn't be @ Liverpool next season, no matter wat happens.

if it's a few years down the road, then ManU could be his likely destination.

Whether he is a good manager or not, his cv tells it all.
esp with him winning the UCL at FC Porto & Inter Milan.

[digby]

I got a funny feeling he might, just might go to blackburn if the fund is good. The indian showed his wealth when he wanted to lure fabiano to blackburn in january. but anyway, i'm a chelsea fans but think the chance of him returning to chelsea is probably 1/20

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/899428/mourinho:-i-was-within-hours-of-taking-england-job?cc=4716

Mourinho: I nearly said yes to England

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was within hours of accepting the England job, prior 2 Fabio Capello's appointment.

Mourinho claimed he was on the verge of accepting the job in 2007 aft Steve McClaren was sacked following England's failure 2 qualify 4 Euro 2008.

But the Portuguese had a last-gasp change of heart & decided 2 stay in club management.

He told l'Equipe: "I was hours away - I almost signed up 4 the England national team.

"But @ the last minute I began thinking, 'I m going 2 coach a national side, there will be 1 match a month & the rest of the time I will be in my office or overseeing matches. And then 2 hv 2 wait until the summer 2 compete in a European Championship or a World Cup?' No, it wasn't 4 me.

"So @ the last moment I pulled back, preferring 2 wait 4 the right job 2 come along, a good club, a challenge tat could motivate me. Tat was Inter (Milan).''

The FA were quick 2 respond 2 Mourinho's comments. "Fabio was our 1st choice 4 England manager,'' a spokesman said. "We hv made tat clear fr the outset.''

Mourinho left Chelsea in September 2007, 2 months b4 McClaren was dismissed, & took up his role as head coach @ Inter in June 2008. Aft guiding Inter 2 the Champions League he then left 4 Real Madrid in the summer of 2010.

"When I left Chelsea, the 1st month was fantastic. I went 2 Africa, 2 Japan, I did tons of things I had not been able 2 do,'' he added. "The 2nd month was also good, but from the 3rd onwards it was horrible, just awful.''

Mourinho admitted he also came close 2 taking the PSG job aft leaving Stamford Bridge, but decided against it as he was not convinced by Ligue 1's quality.

Asked why he did not take the PSG post, he said: "I do not know. Perhaps because of the feeling tat England, Spain or Italy r more powerful leagues, & we must make the most of the best years of our career by working @ the highest level.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/900746/jorge-valdano-confident-jose-mourinho-will-deliver-success-to-real?cc=4716

Valdano confident Mourinho will deliver

Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano insists he has been happy 2 sit back & let Jose Mourinho take sole charge of team affairs @ the Bernabeu recently & predicted the former Inter Milan boss will provide the club with "many glorious afternoons''.

Valdano & Mourinho have endured a seemingly fractious relationship since the Portuguese arrived @ Real last summer, with hostilities betw the 2 @ times barely concealed.

Mourinho demands more control than most coaches in Spain & tat has necessitated Valdano taking a step back. But the former Argentina international denied the situation had made his life difficult.

"I hv always felt comfortable @ Real Madrid,'' he told the club's official website. "My role is more of an institutional 1 now compared 2 b4 & my job entails matters tat r not only related 2 sports.

"I said I would distance myself fr the team following the Copa del Rey match against Sevilla & I hv done just tat.

"Mourinho is the leader of a team tat continues improving fr a football standpoint & I m sure it will bring us many glorious afternoons. He feels protected by the club & feels more comfortable every day, as he himself recently stated.

"Tat goal has been accomplished & tat is wat it is all abt, being tat he is an important person within the club. The team is more competitive each day.''

Valdano also stated his relationship with president Florentino Perez remains as strong as ever.

"I hv a close relationship with Florentino Perez,'' he said. "I hv a lot of faith in him & I feel comfortable & secure. He has not changed as a person.

"He continues thinking big & continues loving tis club. He is very demanding & he lays out the strategy. He knows exactly wat Real Madrid members 1 & time has proven him right.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/302039?cc=4716

Mourinho home record ended

Jose Mourinho lost his 1st home league match in more than 9 years as Real Madrid's title hopes suffered a huge blow with a shock defeat against Sporting Gijon @ the Bernabeu.

Miguel de las Cuevas, the former Atletico Madrid player, netted the only goal of the game in the 79th minute 2 end not only Mourinho's remarkable personal run but also Madrid's 100% record @ home tis season.

The defeat means Madrid find themselves 8 points adrift of Barca, who beat Villarreal 1-nil, & is also a blow 2 morale ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final 1st leg against Tottenham.

Even the return of Gonzalo Higuain aft more than 4 months out thru injury could not help Madrid, who badly missed key players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema & Xabi Alonso.

Madrid paid tribute 2 former star Ronaldo b4 the match & the home fans must hv been left yearning 4 some of the Brazilian's magic @ the end of a lacklustre 1st half.

With several 1st-team players absent due 2 a mixture of injury & suspension, Madrid lacked any real spark in a goalless 1st half & they barely threatened visiting goalkeeper Juan Pablo Colinas b4 the break.

Angel Di Maria, who looked the home side's biggest threat, had 1 long-range effort comfortably saved while Sami Khedira might hv done better with a header just b4 the break.

The best opening of the 1st period fell 2 Sporting in the 41st minute, but Nacho Novo, having rounded Iker Casillas, fluffed his left-footed shot & allowed Ricardo Carvalho 2 save Madrid's blushes.

The start of the 2nd half saw Madrid twice test Colinas thru Mesut Ozil & Di Maria, & the 56th-minute arrival of Higuain gave the hosts an extra edge up front.

The Argentina international, whose last appearance was in November due 2 a herniated disc tat required surgery, almost netted within 3 mins of his arrival with a thunderous drive tat Colinas parried over @ his near post.

Emmanuel Adebayor then headed a decent opportunity over 4 the hosts.

However, Madrid could not find the breakthru & they were hit with the ultimate sucker-punch 12 mins fr time when De las Cuevas scored.

Nacho Cases laid the ball inside 2 the unmarked midfielder & his low shot went in off Casillas' right-hand post with the Spain international given no chance.

Tat goal sparked a frantic late onslaught fr the home side & the Sporting goal seemed 2 lead a charmed life as Madrid went close on numerous occasions.

Adebayor saw 2 efforts saved, Khedira had another 2 shots blocked on the line while Ozil, Sergio Canales & Ricardo Carvalho all had opportunities.

However, the hosts could not take advantage of any of them as Sporting held on 2 claim a stunning victory & end Mourinho's incredible unbeaten home run whilst in charge of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan & Madrid.

With only 8 games remaining & already thrilling Barca by 8 points, Real hv a difficult task ahead in the La Liga if they 1 2 win the league tis season.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/902507/jose-mourinho-claims-madrid-would-be-happy-to-draw?cc=4716

Jose happy to draw

Jose Mourinho claims he would be satisfied with a 0-0 or even a 1-1 draw when Tottenham visit Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Real Madrid r currently struggling with an injury crisis tat has seen Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema & Marcelo all out of action. Xabi Alonso was also suspended 4 the 1-0 home defeat 2 Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

Mourinho believes tat, given the number of players currently sidelined, a goal-less draw would be a good platform 4 Madrid ahead of the 2nd leg @ White Hart Lane.

"I know our limitations, becos the players r dead," he said. "Even if we'd drawn 0-0 it would hv been a bad result in the league. Against Spurs, though, it would be a good result - or @ least it would not be a drama, especially if we hv injured players back 4 the decisive game in London."

He added: "We lacked all our creative players [against Sporting Gijon], except Mesut Ozil. If Cristiano plays against Spurs it is becos he & I r taking a risk. The doctor says he will only be fit 4 the game Bilbao next week.

"Marcelo is out for 2 weeks & Karim Benzema will only come 2 Bilbao & London, not play the home game. We could ignore the medical department but if it went wrong u would kill me & tat would be risk.

"Now we hv 2 see if we play people 2 try 2 settle the tie in the 1st leg or if we r satisfied with a draw, but 0-0 @ home is good & even 1-1 is not dramatic. It would be all open, so I'll talk 2 the injured players & decide whether we risk them."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp - who has also been contending with a number of injury problems - says he is taking little encouragement fr Madrid's shock defeat as he feels it simply shows Mourinho is making Europe his priority.

"I'm not @ all fooled by the result," he told The Sun. "I've not watched the game on TV yet & 2 be honest I'm not sure it'll tell me all tat much.

"Jose rested so many players tat he's showed his hand @ wat his priority is tis season - winning a 3rd Champions League title with his 3rd different club. Wat an achievement tat would be, you hv 2 admit.

"No Xabi Alonso, Pepe, Karim Benzema. Tuesday's team will bear no resemblance 2 the one tat played on Saturday. We had Tim Sherwood & Les Ferdinand there watching 4 us & they've told me basically the same thing, so there was no point in me spending all day Sunday worried sick abt the game or rubbing my hands 2gether becos Jose's lost his 1st home match since 2002."

Redknapp said he is looking 4ward 2 leading his team out @ the Bernabeu but stressed tat he will only be satisfied if Spurs perform 2 their capabilities.

"Matches like this 1 don't come round very often, so we should make the most of it," he said. "We r massive underdogs & rightly so.

"Every1 keeps telling me 2 enjoy it, enjoy it, but I won't be able 2 unless we play well. As a manager, tat's all tat really concerns you. Yes, it'll be great 2 walk out with Tottenham @ the Bernabeu Stadium but, if we let ourselves down, there's no enjoyment in tat is there?"

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/902054/jose-mourinho-weighs-up-cristiano-ronaldo-risk-for-spurs-tie?cc=4716

Mourinho weighs up Ronaldo risk

Jose Mourinho says he may take a "risk" & play Cristiano Ronaldo in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final 1st-leg tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

Mourinho, who on Saturday night surrendered his 9-year, 150-game unbeaten record in league home matches when Real Madrid lost 2 Sporting Gijon, had previously ruled Ronaldo out of the game with a hamstring problem.

However, Mourinho will meet with his top scorer, as well as the injured Karim Benzema & Marcelo, 2 establish whether the 3 players r willing 2 take a gamble on their fitness of the game @ the Bernabeu.

"If he [Ronaldo] has a chance it's becos he & his coach r taking a risk, becos the information fr the medical department is tat he can't play, tat he can only play in the game in Bilbao [next weekend]," Mourinho said.

"But if the 2 of us & only the 2 of us decide tat he's going 2 play then the risk is mine & his. 2morrow I will talk with the injured players & decide if we will risk them."

Even if Ronaldo is unable 2 declare his availability then @ least Real saw the unexpected return of Gonzalo Higuain 2 1st-team action on Saturday night. The striker had not played since November aft undergoing surgery on a herniated disc but returned ahead of schedule 2 play against Sporting.

Higuain said: "On an individual level I'm very happy. People believed I would miss the entire season, but I managed 2 show tat statistics aren't everything in life. It was not a challenge or a competition with anybody, it was a matter of pride 4 myself 2 show tat I could be back ahead of schedule.

"I was able 2 achieve tat & I feel very comfortable. The key 2 the recovery was fighting hard, not letting myself get down & battling 4 wat I love most, which is 2 play football.

"I'm grateful 2 all the coaching staff, the doctors, fans, my team-mates, my family & 2 myself. I'm very happy 2 be able 2 feel like a player again, although tis wasn't quite the dream comeback I was hoping 4."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/905240/kaka-to-stay,-wants-to-impress-madrid-fans?cc=4716

Kaka : I need to impress fans

Kaka believes his 2 goals in the 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao will do wonders 4 his confidence as he seeks 2 show doubting Real Madrid fans wat he can really do aft a season of disappointment.

The Brazil international has been sidelined 4 significant parts of the campaign due 2 injuries & Saturday night's game @ Athletic was his 1st start since February & only his 13th appearance in all competitions tis term.

It was 2 prove a good night 4 the £56 million man & Madrid though, with Kaka scoring his side's 1st 2 goals fr the penalty spot b4 substitute Cristiano Ronaldo added a 3rd midway thru the 2nd half 2 complete the win.

Kaka, the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year, said: "Those 2 goals r good 4 my self-confidence, they r very important goals.I understand the fans (criticism towards him). I hope tat with time & with important games I can win over the supporters again. I only ask they give me time.

"I need 2 work hard 2 enjoy football again. The only problem was with my knee, which limited me fr playing all out. I hv 2 work hard in tis final stretch of the season. I hope 2 hv fun playing football. I feel like I owe it 2 Real Madrid & the fact tat I haven't fulfilled expectations bothers me."

"I know wat the truth is abt my injury. Some hv taken advantage of my absence 2 say I 1 2 go & that's not true. I 1 2 triumph @ Madrid,'' he added in AS. "My relationship with the coach (Mourinho) is very good. People r saying many things tat r not true, but I hv no problem with him whatsoever & I'm grateful 2 him 4 everything he has done 2 help me. He's a great coach & he is helping me grow as a footballer.''

Madrid's win over Athletic was hugely impressive considering Mourinho made 7 changes 2 the side tat started Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final 1st leg win over Tottenham & rested many of his 1st-choice stars.

However, it was not enough 2 cut in2 Barcelona's 8-point lead heading in2 next week's showdown betw the 2 @ the Bernabeu as the league leaders defeated rock-bottom Almeria later in the evening.

With only 7 games left, Barca r overwhelming fav 2 retain their league title, but Kaka believes his side can still claim the Treble tis season.

Aside fr the league, Madrid will also meet Barca in the final of the Copa del Rey & the Spanish superpowers look set 2 clash in the semi-finals of the Champions League as well. with both clubs holding big advantages in their respective quarter-final ties.

Kaka added: "Madrid can defeat Barcelona, they r not unbeatable. We hv 2 believe we can win La Liga, the Copa & the Champions League, but 1st we need 2 focus on Tottenham.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/907493/jose-mourinho-silence-causes-media-walk-out?cc=4716

Mourinho silence causes media walk-out

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho blanked the media ahead of Saturday's La Liga clasico with Barcelona, prompting a walk-out by more than 100 journalists @ Friday's press conference.

Assistant coach Aitor Karanka took questions as Mourinho sat silent @ the pre-match conference @ Madrid's Valdebebas training ground but many members of the massive media throng were unimpressed, choosing 2 leave in protest. Anticipation is @ an all time high ahead of an incredible quartet of clasicos, so Mourinho was eager 2 maintain a low key build-up on the Madrid side of the rivalry.

Filippo Ricci, a journalist with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport who was among those who left, explained: "Wat happened was Mourinho decided not 2 come 2 the press conference, the usual press conference b4 the Clasico, & 2 send out Aitor Karanka.

"The press didn't like tis decision & decided 2 quit the press centre as he was coming in. The surprise was tat Mourinho also came in2 the press centre, but when the press officer said Mourinho wasn't getting any questions, @ tat moment around half to 3/4 of the press centre left.''

Karanka said: "Whenever the coach speaks his words r blown out of proportion. He doesn't 1 tat, nor does he 1 2 be the 1 who heats things up b4 the match. He's preferred 2 stay quiet 2 avoid misunderstandings & it's not the 1st time I've spoken, it's a way of working. I've already been out (2 speak 2 the media) 11 times, tis isn't something unusual.''

Asked if Mourinho not speaking 2 the media could be seen as a lack of respect 2 the Madrid fans, Karanka added: "We hv the opinion of the fans in the Bernabeu & on the street. Wat the fans 1 is tat Real Madrid r where they r now. They don't 1 a team tat is knocked out of the cup by a Segunda Division B side, nor a team who continually fall @ the last 16 of the Champions League. They 1 a coach who works 100% every day & is able 2 make the team fight 4 every title.''

Saturday's clash @ the Bernabeu is the 1st of 4 showdowns betw Madrid & Barcelona in the space of 18 days.

Aside fr tis weekend's league encounter, which Barca go in2 holding an 8-point lead over 2nd-placed Madrid with 7 games remaining, the 2 Spanish superpowers also meet in the Copa del Rey final & in the 2-legged Champions League semi-finals.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/907498/cristiano-ronaldo:-real-madrid-will-win-a-trophy?cc=4716

Ronaldo: Madrid will win a trophy

CR is in a confident mood heading in2 the upcoming quartet of clasicos with Barcelona, stating his belief Real Madrid will win a trophy tis season.

Madrid host Barca in the Primera Division on Saturday & the Spanish superpowers meet again in the Copa del Rey final next Wednesday b4 doing battle twice more in the Champions League semi-finals - all 4 games coming in the space of 18 days.

Barca hv held the upper hand in recent clashes betw the 2, winning each of the last 5 meetings, while the Catalan giants hv also left their counterparts fr the capital lagging well behind in the race 4 honours over the last few years.

Madrid hv not tasted success since 2008, when they won Primera Division & Spanish Super Cup, while in stark contrast Barca hv walked off with a remarkable 8 trophies since Pep Guardiola took charge in the summer of 2008.

Ronaldo, who joined Madrid 4 a world-record £80million in 2009, hopes tat lack of silverware is abt 2 come 2 an end though, telling Real Madrid TV: "Real Madrid cannot go 2 years w/o winning a title. I'm convinced tat we r going 2 win something tis season & it's going 2 be very important. The players look very positive & tat's a good sign, I like it a lot. There is the ideal atmosphere in the squad 4 tis final straight.''

Madrid's hopes of wresting the Primera Division title off 2-time defending champions Barca looks 2 be their least likely path 2 silverware tis season, with Guardiola's men boasting a big advantage @ the summit.

Barca r currently 8 points clear of 2nd-placed Madrid with 7 games remaining, while they also won 5-0 in the 1st meeting betw the 2 @ the Nou Camp.

Tat was Mourinho's heaviest-ever defeat as coach & something tat would prove decisive if the 2 teams finish level on points & Madrid do not record an equally one-sided victory on Saturday.

Ronaldo, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions tis season, said: "We hv 2 win, we r playing @ home & we hv 2 put them under pressure. If we win the title race will be open, we cannot throw in the towel.

"Aft (tis weekend), comes the Copa del Rey & the Champions League semi-finals. The important thing is 2 win & put Barcelona under pressure. If we win it's going 2 give us confidence 4 the cup.''

Both Barca & Madrid go in2 the 1st of the 4 Clasicos in buoyant mood aft tis week progressing through 2 the last 4 of the Champions League in midweek.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/908139/la-liga:-ronaldo-earns-point-for-ten-man-real-madrid?cc=4716

Ronaldo earns point for Real

CR scored fr the spot 2 earn 10-man Real Madrid a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in a highly-charged clasico but it was the Catalans who took a big step 2wards the title.

Although Barcelona maintained their 8-point lead @ the top of La Liga with 6 games left, it was important 4 Real 2 avoid another thrashing - such as the 5-0 defeat @ Camp Nou earlier tis season - with 3 more clasicos in the next 17 days set 2 decide the destination of the Copa del Rey & who will reach the final of the Champions League.

In Saturday night's tense encounter @ the Bernabeu, Lionel Messi scored fr the spot in the 53rd minute 2 give Barca the lead aft Raul Albiol was sent off 4 a foul on David Villa in the area.

Barca looked 2 be cruising 2wards a 6th consecutive victory against their arch-rivals under coach Pep Guardiola when Dani Alves tripped Marcelo & the referee awarded another penalty, converted by Ronaldo.

The equaliser lifted Real & their Germany midfielder Sami Khedira had a great chance 2 win the match in the final minute but shot straight @ Victor Valdes.

Sevilla's European hopes were dealt a severe blow as the Andalusians lost 1-0 @ out-of-form Getafe.

Miku scored the only goal of the game when he took advantage of some poor marking by Federico Fazio 2 latch onto Dani Parejo's pass & beat Javi Varas.

Sevilla started the day in 5th position, 8 points behind 4th-placed Villarreal, but had been making positive noises abt a return 2 the Champions League. With only 6 games now left, though, such a feat seems highly unlikely 4 Gregorio Manzano's side.

Julio Baptista made a memorable return fr injury as he bagged 2 goals in Malaga's impressive 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca.

Baptista had been sidelined for 6 weeks, but was back in the side & made an immediate impact 2 boost the Andalusians' survival hopes.

Sebas Fernandez gave Malaga the lead aft 26 mins & Baptista doubled the home side's advantage prior 2 HT, b4 adding a 2nd early in the 2nd period 2 move Manuel Pellegrini's men provisionally out of the relegation zone.

With only 6 games remaining 4 both Barca & Real, Barca took another step 2wards retaining the La Liga title.
Barca lead 2nd placed Real by 8 pts & 3rd placed Valencia by 22 points with 6 games remaining. Mathematically, only Real has a chance 2 overtake Barca.

Barca remaining 6 games in the La Liga :
- @ home vs Osasuna on 23 April.
- away vs Real Sociedad on 1 May.
- @ home vs Espanyol on 8 May.
- away vs Levante on 11 May.
- @ home vs Deportivo La Coruña on 15 May.
- away vs Málaga on 22 May.

Real remaining 6 games in the La Liga :
- away vs Valencia on 23 April.
- @ home vs Real Zaragoza on 1 May.
- away vs Sevilla FC on 8 May.
- @ home vs Getafe on 11 May.
- away vs Villarreal on 15 May.
- @ home vs Almeria on 22 May.

In betw these La Liga games, there r 3 Clasicos 2 be play betw Barca & Real starting with the Copa del Rey(Esp Cup) on 20 April @ Mestalla(Valencia), UCL SF 1st leg on 27 April @ Bernabéu & UCL SF 2nd leg @ Camp Nou.

Barca has the upper hand 4 the La Liga title.
Real k only fight 4 the Copa del Rey title on 20 April, & the UCL Final berth over the SF 2 legs.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/908746/phil-ball:-mourinho-masterclass?&cc=4716

Mourinho masterclass? By Phil Ball

I thought the Clasico was a good game, even an interesting game, & I seem 2 hv been engaged in arguments abt it all Sunday. I guess they'll continue until Wed nite, when we get the next instalment in the quartet - namely the small matter of the Copa del Rey @ Valencia's Mestalla stadium.

B4 we look @ the press reaction 2 the 1-1 draw in the Bernabow late on Saturday night, it's worth considering the argument thrown my way on Sunday afternoon by an ex-Spanish football manager in deepest Guernica tat it was a disgrace 2 see Real Madrid playing a crude version of catenaccio, ceding 80% possession 2 the visiting team & relying on a mixture of counter-attack & dead-ball situations.

Add 2 tat the fact tat the visiting team were Barca (a real Madridista, the theory goes, never implies or admits tat the Catalans r superior - it cost Bernd Schuster his job); Madrid's most imaginative player, Mesut Ozil, was on the bench; Pepe was playing as a minesweeper in midfield, patrolling Lionel Messi's movements; Xabi Alonso was pushed up higher than usual, marking Xavi; & Sami Khedira's main job was 2 snuff out Andres Iniesta, it seemed tat Madrid had not really come 2 play football. Disgrace!

The slight problem with the argument is tat they almost won the match. They certainly boosted their psychological preparation with regard 2 the next 3 games, & staunched the flow of defeats they hv suffered against their great rivals. And all tat with 10 men. Disgrace? I don't quite get it. Mourinho tried 2 take on Barca @ their own game in the Camp Nou back in November, & was pilloried 4 the team's impotent showing in a 5-0 defeat. Since then his team has gelled rather well, but nobody has found a solution as 2 how 2 stop Guardiola's side, so why should he be attacked now 4 trying a different approach?

Of course, Barcelona had the ball 4 a scandalous percentage of the game, & there were periods when Madrid didn't touch the ball 4 over 4 mins, but the visitors didn't really worry them in the last 3rd, save the Messi chip & the possible penalty on David Villa. Madrid's rather frantic counter-attacks, launched @ such dizzying speed tat even their own players found it hard 2 cope, did nevertheless bear fruit in terms of chances, & the Barca goal had several wobbly moments in the 1st half.

For the Catalan press, Pepe was a crude monster, the symbol of Madrid's new decadence - allowed 2 get away with murder on Messi & others, whereas fr the capital's perspective, he was wonderfully efficient & kept the Catalan hordes @ bay.

So Ozil came on aft 57 minutes & showed us all how silly Mourinho's strategy had been all along? I find tat rather simplistic. For starters, Barca had 2 re-group when Carles Puyol went off a min later, & Sergio Busquets dropped deeper where he is less effective. It's true tat Ozil's ability 2 hold on2 the ball began 2 worry the visitors, but there was no guarantee tat tis would hv happened in the 1st half. Ozil is not abt barnstorming counter-attack - he's a prober. You do 1 thing or the other. Mourinho decided on a more extreme approach, & if Khedira had hit his late shot anywhere other than @ Valdes' body, Mourinho would now be being hailed as a genius.

I thought Madrid were, in a sense, the better side. They set out their chess pieces with a defensive but nevertheless coherent conviction, fell behind 2 a silly penalty but were then perfectly capable of switching 2 another approach when the context demanded it. Barca just did their usual metronomic stuff, but not as well. I see no point in boasting 80% possession if you only score 1 goal & almost lose the game 2 10 men. Hats off 2 Mourinho. The Copa del Rey final will now be very interesting indeed. Which approach will Madrid adopt? Will Guardiola care? Some1 will ask him on Tuesday evening.

Of course, all tis ignores the fact tat Barca all but sealed the title race on Saturday night, & therefore triumphed in tat sense @ least. Hats off 2 them as well. But hardly any1 has commented on tis, as if it were of secondary importance 2 the nature of the duel itself, & the 3 subsequent games 2 come. Also, as Mourinho said, it would be interesting 2 see the game played 11 versus 11. Strange 2 see Raul Albiol receive a straight red & Dani Alves not even a yellow 4 his foul on Marcelo. You begin 2 see Mourinho's point abt a lack of balance in the criteria applied by referees 2 the 2 teams.

The dark side of all tis is tat in the long term (over the 4 matches) a similar approach by Real Madrid will begin 2 look a tad defeatist. Against every1 else you play 1 way, but against Barca you don't trust yourselves 2 play open football. The Madrid faithful may find the pragmatic approach acceptable on occasions, but may find it hard 2 swallow tat the world's best player of his type, Xabi Alonso, is being employed as a pack hound, Angel Di Maria as an extra full back, & Ozil chews gum on the bench. Jorge Valdano, his face set in stone in the palco, will begin 2 twitch uncontrollably - & dream of early retirement in Patagonia - as his nightmares finally come true.

Last Friday, Mourinho turned up 4 the press conference with Aitor Karanka, his deputy-in-chief, & directed the journalists' questions 2 the ex-Bilbao man, the idea being tat tis would make it impossible 4 any1 2 twist his own words in2 pre-match provocations. The masses of international journalists, gathered 2 hear the words of the wise 1, had most reason 2 be peeved, but nevertheless stayed, whilst the Spanish contingent, a majority fr Madrid, staged a walkout.

On Saturday night, the Portuguese man-o-war, in characteristically stinging form, replied 2 a Marca journalist's question tat he wasn't going 2 talk 2 him (4 displaying a lack of respect 2 Karanka) but tat he would speak 2 his editor-in-chief (Eduardo Inda) - the implication being tat on walking out, the journalists had not been doing their jobs, which was technically correct. Is Mourinho obliged 2 speak, on the terms of his contract? Probably not. La Liga demands tat a representative of the club attend 2 the press, nothing more.

Mourinho is, however, playing a risky game. Others hv tried 2 take on the hounds, & been savaged 2 death in the end. It was also a strange encounter becos up 2 now, the Spanish press in general has benefitted massively fr the Madrid manager's presence, his daily soundbites, his sense of humour & his ability 2 stir every hornets' nest in the country. But it was as if he had decided on open warfare, & so far he is winning. But it might not be 2 wise 2 continue down a path of confrontation. In the past - 4 Toshack, Capello, Schuster, Luxemburgo, Queiroz - it has always ended in tears.

Elsewhere, on some other distant planet, Valencia continued 2 prove their credentials with a 3-0 stroll @ bottom side Almeria, & Sevilla slipped up @ struggling Getafe, 2 complicate their ambitions of catching 4th-placed Villarreal, who can now put further distance betw them if they beat Zaragoza on Monday night. Down in the nether regions, with the relegation cut-off still on 33, 11 sides sleep uneasily, right up 2 Mallorca in 10th place.

There is still plenty of interest in La Liga, & tis week's Copa del Rey final - the 1st betw the big 2 since Barca won 2-0 in 1990 - should be a cracker. Spookily enough, the last time they met was @ the Mestalla, a game tat saw the dying light of the Quinta del Buitre & Madrid's hegemony of the 1980s. It also seems odd tat in almost 90 years of professional cup competitions in Spain, the big 2 hv only met 5 times in the final. Barca hv the edge, 3-2. It would take a brave person, with the exception of Sandro Rosell of course, 2 predict Wednesday's outcome.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/908731/inter-captain-javier-zanetti-keen-on-jose-mourinho-return?cc=4716

Zanetti wants Jose back

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has said the club would welcome Jose Mourinho back with open arms amid rumours of a shock return 2 the San Siro.

Mourinho led Inter 2 Serie A, the Champions League & Coppa Italia last season, but they hv struggled in the 2010-11 campaign under Rafael Benitez & Leonardo.

Mourinho has said he will remain @ Real Madrid next season "unless the press sacks" him, but it appears the upcoming Copa del Rey & Champions League clashes with Barca r destined 2 play a major role in the coach's future aft Saturday's 1-1 draw in El Clasico all but ended their hopes of winning the league.

Talk of a return 2 Inter is now rife in the Italian press, with Gazzetta dello Sport having reported tat Mourinho has pre-enrolled his children @ the school they studied in during his time in Italy. The school, in Lugano, is less than an hour fr Inter's Appiano Gentile training camp.

"Leonardo is doing good work & it wouldn't be fair 2 condemn him 4 the recent results," Zanetti said aft tis weekend's 2-0 defeat 2 Parma, but he added: "The doors of Inter r always open 4 Mourinho aft the extraordinary things he achieved with tis club."

Marcello Lippi, who has managed Juventus & Italy across 2 separate spells, believes a return 2 Inter could be a wise decision.

He told RAI: "If Mourinho & Inter still hold 1 another in high esteem, why not? Making a return isn't always a bad idea.

"When I returned 2 manage the national side [having won the 2006 World Cup], tat didn't work out, but b4 tat I'd gone back 2 Juventus, & I won 2 league titles & reached the final of the Champions League."

Mourinho recently praised Inter president Massimo Moratti as "an incredible man who shows the football world wat a president should be".

[joew2005]

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/yahoo-e-exclusive-iker-casillas-20110416-025609-658.html

Iker Casillas: We 1 2 win it all tis season

HE'S 1 of Madrid's modern maestros & arguably the poster boy of Spanish football.

But it isn't jz his chiselled good looks or high-profile relationship with Spanish TV reporter, Sara Carbonero, tat has set tongues wagging all over Spain.

It's the very fact tat Iker Casillas exemplifies the rare breed of successful graduates fr Real Madrid's youth system 2day.

In an exclusive interview with Yahoo! SEA, the 29-year-old goalkeeper is grateful 4 hw the club groomed him 4 life as a professional since he was a boy.

"The truth is tat I received a lot of support when I was a youth @ Real Madrid & I'm thankful 4 those opportunities," he explained.

"I honestly don't think it's true tat Real Madrid do not care abt 'Castilla' (youth team). There r many players who were fr Madrid's youth set-up @ almost every club in the Spanish 1st division & they r doing well. It's jz tat sometimes you need a little luck in football."

Casillas has grown 2 be 1 of the world's greatest goalkeepers. He is also seen as Real's talisman & his 21 years @ the club has seen his buyout clause skyrocket to £128 million.

But while Barcelona's famed "La Masia" academy has produced half of the players on the current squad including Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Xavi & Gerard Pique, Real's youth system has been comparatively quiet.

Apart fr Casillas, only midfielder Esteban Granero has successfully broken in2 the 1st squad. But even he has been overshadowed by the purchase of German WC stars Mesut Özil & Sami Khedira tis season.

Acknowledging Real's well-documented habit of buying star players 2 deliver quick results, Casillas said, "In the future I would like 4 more home-grown players 2 be brought 2 the 1st team, & tis will take time. But I believe it's possible, becos we're a great club with a good youth coach."

Turning 2 matters @ hand tis season, he said the upcoming "clásicos" against Barcelona r going 2 be huge (tis interview was done b4 Real's 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Sunday morning).

After clashing in the league, Real r again set 2 go head-2-head with their bitter arch-rivals twice in the Champions League & another time in the Spanish Cup final within the next 18 days.

"Barcelona r Barcelona, & everybody knows tat they r a team tat has achieved a lot in football with extraordinary players," he said.

"But we're ready 2 show tat we're serious, becos these games r not jz any games. We 1 2 win the Copa del Ray & Champions League, & I believe tat even the Spanish title is possible now," he explained confidently.

"We owe it 2 our fans, & the people in the city 2 defeat Barcelona & in @ home. Tat's the only thing I'm thinking abt @ tis moment."

Indeed, such is Madrid's obsession with defeating the Catalans tat Jose Mourinho has declared a media "black-out", refusing 2 allow his players 2 speak 2 members of the media abt 'El Clasico' in recent weeks.

But while the mood in Madrid is a mix of anxiety & slight arrogance, Casillas believes tat it's simply a part of the Spanish culture.

"I've played many 'clasicos', & every time it's the same feeling. You know you hv 2 perform your best out there becos it's not an ordinary game. In Spain, everything is more cultural & everybody feels it. Football (intensifies) the rivalry tat was already there," he explained.

After winning both the Confederations Cup & World Cup with Spain in the last 2 years, Casillas is arguably enjoying his greatest run of success.

Off the pitch, things r going swimmingly well 2 -- he is currently dating sexy Spanish TV personality, Sara Carbonero.

The 2 hv been dubbed the "Posh & Becks" of Spain aft an infamous, impromptu post-victory smooch on national TV following Spain's World Cup final win over Holland.

And although he refrained fr speaking abt his personal life in tis interview, Casillas admitted : "I'm very happy (during) these moments & tat's all I 1 2 say."

Similarly, Carbonero, who met him while working @ the Confederations Cup last year, told Spanish magazines tat she was enjoying her "current life" with her beau.

Not 1 2 4get how fortunate he is, Casillas was also recently elected UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

He's been involved in projects promoting poverty reduction, education & health & issues affecting young people in developing countries.

During the recent Japan quake, he also sent out an encouraging message 2 the victims of the ensuing tsunami.

Casillas -- football superstar, role model & UN spokesperson. Life is indeed good.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=313675&cc=4716

Ronaldo heads Real to victory

CR's extra-time header saw Real Madrid edge out fierce rivals Barcelona in the 2nd 'Clasico' in 4 days 2 win the Copa del Rey & seal their 1st piece of silverware under Jose Mourinho.

The 1st 90 minutes had ended goalless, with Madrid on top in the opening period & Barca better aft the break.

But despite the Catalans' superior possession in extra-time, Mourinho's men looked dangerous on the break & aft Ronaldo had angled a low shot just wide, the Portuguese beat Jose Manuel Pinto with a brilliant header following Angel di Maria's pinpoint cross.

Pinto started in goal instead of Victor Valdes, as he had done all the way thru the competition.

Meanwhile, Barca captain Carles Puyol was deemed unfit 2 start following his injury in Saturday night's 1-1 draw @ Madrid in the Primera Division, so Javier Mascherano slotted in alongside Gerard Pique in the centre of defence.

Mourinho restored Mesut Ozil 2 his side aft the Germany playmaker began Saturday's draw on the bench.

In tis, the 2nd of 4 Clasico meetings, with a 2-legged semi-final 2 come in the Champions League starting next week, the Portuguese kept faith with Pepe in a 3-man midfield shield alongside Sami Khedira & Xabi Alonso.

And it worked early on as Madrid pushed back Barcelona, appearing 2 surprise the Catalans with their dynamic start 2 the game.

Ronaldo, playing up front as Mourinho opted 2 leave 3 strikers - Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema & Emmanuel Adebayor - on the bench, came close 2 giving his side the lead aft 12 minutes when he beat Pinto fr close range but saw Mascherano hack the ball off the line.

Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa was lucky 2 get away with a clear stamp on David Villa later in the half as things began 2 turn ugly.

The defender escaped without a caution, but both Pepe & Pedro found their way in2 the referee's book b4 the interval as the 2 teams continued 2 compete close 2 the edge.

But in football terms, Madrid had the edge.

Pinto saved well fr Ronaldo 10 minutes b4 the interval, but the stand-in keeper was badly-positioned just b4 the break & was lucky 2 see Pepe's header rebound off the post.

But Barca began the 2nd half on the front foot, stepping up a gear following a disappointing opening 45 minutes.

Pedro fired just wide, Lionel Messi blasted over the bar & the Argentina 4ward was almost set up by Dani Alves as the Catalans found their rhythm.

And they thought they had gone ahead aft 68 minutes when Villa, who had not scored for 10 games, latched on2 a Messi thru-ball aft the Argentinian had brilliantly beaten 3 Madrid players, & slotted a low shot past Iker Casillas, but the assistant's flag was up & the Spain striker's effort was correctly ruled out.

Nevertheless, Barca were dominant now & tat looked ominous 4 Madrid.

Casillas made 2 fine saves within a minute 2 deny Messi & then Pedro, while the Argentinian was stopped in his tracks as he looked 2 waltz thru the Madrid defence.

But Madrid weathered the storm & the score remained goalless aft 90 mins.

The 1st period of extra-time was dominated by Barca, but the best chance fell 2 Ronaldo, who raced clear down the right flank & charged in2 the area, only 2 drive a low angled shot just wide of the target.

But the Catalans failed 2 heed the warning & 5 mins later, they were behind.

Marcelo played a 1-2 with Di Maria, who then sent a deep, inviting cross in2 the area searching 4 Ronaldo, who rose majestically 2 power home a header @ the far post.

Ronaldo should hv wrapped it up 2 mins b4 the end, but selfishly kept the ball in the area & his shot was eventually blocked.

But Madrid held on 2 seal a famous win & end a spell of almost 3 years without a trophy. The only sour note 4 Mourinho's men was Di Maria's late dismissal aft picking up a 2nd yellow card 4 a foul on Messi.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/909745/real-madrid-1-0-barcelona:-mourinho-plan-takes-the-copa-spoils?cc=4716

Mourinho plan takes the Copa spoils

Wednesday night @ the Mestalla stadium saw Jose Mourinho cement his status as 1 of the best coaches ever in the game of football. Implementing an unexpected, shockingly rapid transformation in Real Madrid's style of play, the Portuguese manager led his squad 2 victory over arch-rivals Barcelona & 2 their 18th Copa del Rey title, a competition the Merengues hadn't won since 1993.

The 2 Spanish giants had last met in the final of a competition back in 1990, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid. The rare event of a clásico in a final match generated remarkable interest in the subdued recent history of Copa del Rey finals. The match was broadcasted 4 a record 140 countries, while touts were offering €2,500 for a tribune seat just mins b4 kick off.

Mourinho, having used his squad's last 2 matches 2 build a rather pragmatic Anti-Barcelona approach, introduced specific adjustments 4 tis final tat resulted in Real Madrid's best 45 minutes against Barcelona since Pep Guardiola 1st sat on the Catalan bench.

Real's tactics rested on the same basis as the Bernabeu's match only 3 days earlier: physical toughness since the initial whistle, & constant long balls 2 take advantage of Barcelona's aerial weakness, as well as 2 obligate the Catalans 2 start their build-up play fr their own goal. 1 of Barcelona's trademark features lies on their high-pace pressure in the rival's own half, forcing quick ball recoveries in attacking positions. Real Madrid kept the ball as far away fr their goal as possible, & thus effectively terminated the link up play by their defenders & midfielders.

However, Mourinho added 2 twists on Wednesday night: Mesut Ozil joined the starting line up replacing Benzema, & the Merengues started 2 press the Blaugrana a good 30 metres closer 2 their goal than they had done in the Bernabeu. With Ozil, Mourinho effectively had 1 more player 2 track down the Barcelona midfielders, especially Sergio Busquets, something tat Karim Benzema hadn't quite delivered on Saturday. Real, looking now far more compact & sharp in their defensive rotations, deactivated Barcelona's connections betw back 4 & midfield, & effectively left Andrés Iniesta, Dani Alves & Pedro, 2 name a few, out of the match 4 most of the 1st half.

Aft 45 mins, Guardiola's team left the pitch looking like a groggy boxer, lucky 2 reach half-time level aft Pepe's powerful header hit the post right b4 the interval. The Barcelona supporters, slightly outnumbering the Madridistas, had spent most of the 1st half quiet, in shock, as their players couldn't dictate the flow of the match & appeared 2 be constantly on their back foot, unable 2 solve Mourinho's tactical riddles.

The 2nd half was an entirely diff matter. Real started 2 pay 4 their initial effort, sat back in their own half & Barcelona suddenly discovered room 2 manoeuvre, especially becos playmaker Iniesta finally took his team's driving seat. Guardiola sent Lionel Messi 2 the right side of the pitch, & suddenly the Catalan supporters were again watching his team enjoying themselves on the perfect Mestalla grass.

At tat point, the main flaws of tis new Real Madrid became apparent; their inability 2 keep possession, 2gether with the endless string of clearances aimed nowhere - surprisingly clapped by their faithful, who would hv thought? - created a huge deal of pressure on Real Madrid's back 4, as Barca rarely left Real Madrid's own half of the pitch.

Once more, Iker Casillas' 3 spectacular saves 2 Pedro, Iniesta & Messi, kept Real Madrid in the match during most of the 2nd half. The Catalans even had 1 goal by Pedro in offside position correctly disallowed - though it was a matter of centimetres. Tat moment left the up-2-then noisy Madridista supporters silent 4 a good 5 mins.

Regulation time ended with an amazing save by Pinto, Barcelona's Copa del Rey goalie, aft a cracker fr Di Maria, & right fr the beginning of the extra time the game seemed 2 lean 2wards Real Madrid. A glorious thru ball by Xabi Alonso saw CR shoot just wide, while Barcelona's build-up efforts appeared less & less dangerous with each passing min. Finally, a 1-touch play betw Di Maria & Marcelo ended in a sweeping cross fr the former, emphatically headed home by Cristiano.

Although Barcelona still had 1 full extra-time period 2 draw, not even Pep's 1st 2 substitutions of the match gave his team the spark they so badly needed, & 1s more a final match ended in an underdog win.

The aforementioned 1990 Copa del Rey final marked the end of an extremely successful Real Madrid generation, as well as the beginning of Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' era in Barcelona. It's early 2 predict wat the future holds 4 the 2 biggest Spanish clubs, but it does seem fair 2 say tat the outcome of tis match has clearly had an impact on both team's morale, aft almost 3 seasons of clear domination by Barcelona. Another 2 clásicos in the next 10 days will bring us closer 2 more accurate conclusions, although 1 fact still remains hard 2 discuss: this stubborn, arrogant former translator knows how 2 win titles.

Mourinho Watch: In just 10 days, the Squad Formerly Known as Real Madrid has become Internazionale de Milan in disguise, courtesy of Don Jose. We know his recipe by heart @ tis point: siege mentality, huge bonding with his players, well-structured game plans & physical power non-stop. Sounds simple, but it works.

Guardiola Watch: Pep stuck 2 his guns & his beliefs, & they led him 2 defeat in tis case. An extra something was required 2 change the flow of the match, & he couldn't find it. His substitutions arrived late, when it had already been blatant 4 some time tat the team needed muscle & creativity. Now it's his turn 2 come up with some variants 4 the Champions League duel.

Mestalla Watch: A stadium on the wane, it possesses tat certain charming atmosphere tat makes you think tat some outdated parts of the building (such as the Media Zone) look enchantingly traditional. Just like San Mamés' case: if possible, any football fan should watch @ least 1 match there b4 they both r finally put 2 rest. 1 has 2 mention the surprising pre-match musical choices: "Que sera, sera" & "Always look on the bright side of life" blasted through the speakers minutes b4 kick off. Hats off.

Fan Watch: If Real Madrid - Barcelona epitomises Spain & our glorious political mess, when it's played on a neutral field our schizophrenia becomes almost comical. Whether it was Shakira or Sara Carbonero, Gerard Pique or CR, the national anthem or the referee, both fan bases disagreed vehemently 4 over 2 hours as only Spaniards do. We wouldn't be the same otherwise.

Ref Watch: Even if Undiano Mallenco's criteria 2 show, & especially not 2 show, yellow cards didn't quite make sense, he was always close 2 action & didn't hv any impact on the final score. Still, not enough 2 justify his current position as Spain's top ref by the Spanish FA.

Man of the Match: Angel Di Maria/ His performance wasn't top class, but he was the perfect example of wat Jose Mourinho 1s out tis team. Di Maria spent 120 minutes running like a madman, put the fear of God himself in2 Daniel Alves, had 2 moments of brilliance tat turned the match 2wards Real Madrid & ended up sent off in the final minute of the match, leaving the pitch exhausted. 1 can see the Argentinean becoming a cult hero 4 the more pragmatic Madridistas.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/909681/jose-mourinho-revels-in-first-real-madrid-triumph?cc=4716

Mourinho revels in first Real triumph

Jose Mourinho spoke of his pride @ winning his 1st trophy with Real Madrid aft CR's extra time header defeated Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

Mourinho also took the opportunity 2 answer his critics aft the 1-0 triumph while defender Sergio Ramos said the Madrid players were ready 2 follow their coach "2 the death" such has been his impact @ the club.

Barcelona great Johann Cruyff led recent criticism of Mourinho by claiming he only existed 2 pursue trophies & was not a "football coach".

Speaking aft tis triumph, Mourinho said he would take such words as a compliment. He said: "Winning titles is wining titles, it's always good. Only a few days ago some1 called me a coach who wins titles & not football. Thank you. I like being a coach who wins titles."

Having lost his 1st Clasico 5-0 @ the Nou Camp last year, Mourinho's men earned a draw in their return league clash @ the weekend b4 tis breakthrough victory. Tat is a trend in Real's favour tat Mourinho believes stands them in good stead 4 their upcoming Champions League semi-final tie over 2 legs.

"I m thrilled 2 win the Copa del Rey - it is something special. It's a fantastic triumph against a great team like Barcelona - & we deserved it. We can take them on over 2 games; we hv just done tat. There is no reason we can't beat them in the Champions League becos we hv just drawn once against them & then beaten them. I came here 2 do a job & change the mentality of the club. We hv started 2 do tat & it's satisfying - but it's just the start.''

Right-back Ramos said of his coach: "Mourinho is the captain of our ship & we r with him 2 the death. Wat he is trying 2 instill in us is working wonderfully."

Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane, the last man 2 score a winning goal 4 Madrid in a cup final - during the 2002 Champions League final - echoed those sentiments.

"This is an important trophy becos it's the 1st trophy in a long time & the club needed it,'' Zidane, now a special advisor @ Madrid, told reporters aft the game. "Now it will give us confidence 4 the games against Barcelona.''

Ronaldo, the matchwinner, said he knew the 1st goal would prove crucial.

"We knew tat whoever scored 1st would win it - & so it proved,'' he said. "Mourinho has given us a winning spirit & tis is a really important trophy 4 us - it was an objective we had 4 tis season & we hv achieved it.''

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was philosophical in defeat aft losing his 1st final as coach of the Catalan club.

"It's always better 2 win than 2 lose,'' Guardiola said aft the game. "But life is like tat - you can't always win.''

Despite failing 2 beat Madrid in their 2 meetings in the last few days Guardiola is adamant his side can bounce back.

"We will pick ourselves up - of course we will,'' he said. "We r more sad than if we had won, but that's part of the game. These players hv been playing 2gether 4 a long time & we'll bounce back.''

Midfielder Xavi added: "We still hv the best 2 titles 2 play 4.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/909029/business-as-usual-for-villas-boas?cc=4716

Business as usual for Villas-Boas

At 11pm on Sunday nite in the media centre under their Estadio do Dragao, nearly an hour aft champions Porto had beaten Sporting Lisbon, Andre Villas-Boas had the room in the palm of his hand. In tat sense, the Porto coach is easily compared with the man widely regarded as his mentor, Jose Mourinho, but fr there the 2 men made in Porto start 2 diverge. Villas-Boas speaks softly, but with authority.

The 33-year-old has come fr the bottom 2 the top of the Portuguese league in little over a year. He took his 1st job as a head coach with Academica in October 2009 with the modest Coimbra side stuck in last place, & shepherded them 2 a respectable mid-table finish.

2 weeks ago, he led his hometown club 2 a 25th league title @ the home of their arch-rivals Benfica. Yet unlike the man who 1st welcomed him in2 his scouting team @ the Dragao b4 taking him on 2 Chelsea & Internazionale, Villas-Boas is not 1 4 listing his own achievements.

"The numbers aren't important," he told journalists. "It's tat it was a clear victory 4 a team tat wanted 2 win again, tat attacked in a concise & clear way again." His style is 2 push his "incredible" players 2 centre stage, but however much he says the statistics don't matter, the truth is tat it is they tat r beginning 2 carve a distinct path 4 him away fr Mourinho.

Victory over Sporting took Porto onto 77 points, a new record points total in a 16-team league, & saw them match the league record of 15 successive wins racked up by Antonio Oliveira's Porto side in 1996-97. More promise 2 tumble in the weeks 2 come. If Villas-Boas' side remain unbeaten thru the 3 remaining games of the season, they will become only the 2nd team 2 complete a Portuguese league season undefeated, aft Englishman Jimmy Hagan's Benfica in 1972-73. Now in charge of Porto for 50 games in all competitions, Villas-Boas has won 43.

Nevertheless, Porto's hunger against Sporting - a game which mattered relatively little with domestic & continental cup semi-finals with Benfica (again) & Villarreal respectively on the horizon - was striking. Aft a slow start they mauled their opponents, with only the excellent visiting goalkeeper Rui Patricio preventing Porto fr dishing out real punishment. It was in stark contrast 2 Benfica's preparation 4 a similar schedule, with their XI picked 4 the same day's win over Beira-Mar consisting of mainly fringe players: "(Pablo) Aimar & 10 more", as Portuguese sports daily O Jogo described it.

Vilas-Boas is a different animal out in the open. As always, he spent Sunday's match on the very edge of his technical area, as close 2 being on the pitch as he can be, agonising over every play. With the supporters relaxed & enjoying themselves, starting the party deep in2 the 8 mins of added time, he was still pointing out instructions 2 his players.

If the young pretender lacks the brash exterior of Mourinho, he is no less firm. Walter, the Brazilian striker whose goal turned out 2 be the winner against Sporting, spoke aft the game abt a frank appraisal of his progress delivered 2 him by Villas-Boas earlier in the season - in the dressing room, in front of the rest of the squad. "They said that I was left out becos I was going out @ nite, but that's not true," Walter said. "The boss said 2 me: 'If u don't arrive @ the rite weight, u won't play, & u won't be called up (2 the squad).' And I ended up not playing 4 2 months. I've managed 2 lose weight & he's giving me the chance 2 prove myself."

Villas-Boas' effectiveness has not gone unnoticed, & he has been linked with jobs @ Liverpool, Juventus & Roma in the last few weeks alone. Speaking aft Sunday's game, Porto's president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa was indignant. "I don't understand wat people mean when they talk abt keeping the coach," he blinked. "He already said in Russia (b4 the Europa League match versus Spartak) tat he doesn't 1 2 listen 2 other clubs, becos he was born in Porto & he is FC Porto's coach, with a 2-year contract."

Nevertheless, the relatively short length of the tie-up does rather leap out of Pinto da Costa's adamant words. International interest in Villas-Boas' work, which has not gone unnoticed in the Portuguese media, was again clear @ his press conference on Saturday @ the club's Olival training ground. "I don't live obsessing with wat I k achieve in my career; I live in the present", he underlined, but he has never hidden his ambition.

Asked by a documentary team fr BBC World Service, Villas-Boas declared the Premier League "the best league in the world" in his impeccable English. "I don't 1 2 hv a long career," he said. "But 1 tat I k be proud of &, if it takes me 2 England, tat will be a sign tat I know wat I'm doing."

He is likely 2 stay @ least another year, 2 lead Porto in2 his maiden Champions League campaign. Villas-Boas' love 4 his club is evident when he is prompted 2 explain the secret of his success. "It comes fr the talent I hv @ my disposal & fr the culture of the club which has dominated the country's football over the last 30 years."

His 1st break @ Porto was courtesy of Sir Bobby Robson, who invited the teenage Villas-Boas 2 training while in charge in the mid-90s b4 later offering him a job in the club's youth set-up. "He was decisive in the love I feel 4 tis profession," he acknowledged, "& 4 the doors he opened 4 me @ tat age. I owe him." It is in the manner of the dear, departed Englishman, rather than Mourinho, tat Villas-Boas sees his true lineage.


Luís André de Pina Cabral de Villas-Boas (born 17 October 1977 in Porto) is a Portuguese football manager currently managing FC Porto.
He is regarded as unique in the sense tat he has no football playing experience, becos a coach of a major club with very little head coaching experience, & achieved tis role @ a very young age. He is currently the youngest football manager in the Portuguese league.

Coaching career
Aft starting @ a very young age on several positions in F.C. Porto's observation department under the guidance of then manager Bobby Robson, who hired him becos of his fluent knowledge of English, he achieved his UEFA C coaching licence as a minor @ the age of 17 in Scotland. He then had a short stint as head coach of the British Virgin Islands national football team at the age of 21, b4 he moved onto a career as an assistant under the management of José Mourinho @ Porto. As Mourinho moved clubs 2 Chelsea & Internazionale, Villas-Boas followed suit.

Académica
At the start of the 2009–10 season, he abandoned Mourinho's staff 2 pursue a career as manager, & he soon found a job @ Portuguese Liga's Académica filling a vacancy created by Rogério Gonçalves' resignation in October 2009. At the time of Villas-Boas' appointment, Académica were @ the bottom of the league & still w/o wins, but their luck started 2 change as he introduced a new style, leading them 2 a safe 11th place, 10 points clear fr relegation. In addition 2 tat, Académica also reached the 2009–10 Portuguese League Cup semi-finals, losing against Porto @ Estádio do Dragão with a late goal fr Mariano González. His impact @ Académica was immediate, not only becos of solid results, but also becos of the attractive football displayed by the team, which led 2 intense media speculation linking him with the vacant job @ Sporting Clube de Portugal aft the departure of Carlos Carvalhal in the summer of 2010.

Porto
When Jesualdo Ferreira left F.C. Porto, his name was also linked with the job @ Estádio do Dragão, & Villas-Boas was finally announced as their new manager on 2 June 2010, hving been presented on 4 June. On 7 August 2010, he won his 1st trophy when Porto beat Benfica 2–0 in the Portuguese Supercup.
On 19 December 2010, Villas-Boas set the club record @ 36 for the most matches across all competitions unbeaten, a record previously held by José Mourinho @ 33 matches. Part of tis streak was completed by the previous coach of FC Porto, Jesualdo Ferreira. On 17 March 2011, FC Porto completed 10 wins in Europe by knocking out CSKA Moscow in the round of 16 of the Europa League. Tis is a record 4 the most wins in Europe in 1 season by a Portuguese club.
On 3 April 2011, Villas-Boas won his 1st Primeira Liga, 5 rounds b4 the end, by defeating S.L. Benfica away @ Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, becoming the 3rd youngest coach 2 win it, only behind Mihály Sistka (1938/39) & Juca (1961/62). It is the 2nd time tat F.C.Porto won the Portuguese league by beating its rival @ its home soil, the 1st time being 71 years ago, in the 1939/1940 season when F.C.Porto clinched the title by defeating Benfica @ the Estádio das Amoreiras. In addition, he equaled the record 4 the most points in 1 Portuguese league season, & the number of consecutive league wins.

[average jOe]

He is a legend along Brian Clough. The highest compliment.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/910657/jose-mourinho-labels-inter-milan-rumours-'completely-false'?cc=4716

Mourinho: Inter reports completely false

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has rejected reports in the Italian press linking him with a return 2 Inter Milan, labelling them "completely false" & pledging 2 remain @ the Bernabeu next season.

Mourinho, 48, won his 1st trophy with Real on Wednesday, as CR's goal gave Los Blancos a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey.

The Portuguese boss may hv successfully claimed his 18th piece of silverware in 8 years, but the build up to the final was dominated by speculation in Italy tat Mourinho would be returning 2 his former club tis summer.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported tat Mourinho had pre-enrolled his children @ the school they studied in during his time in Italy. The school, in Lugano, is less than an hour fr Inter's Appiano Gentile training camp.

However, the 'Special 1' insists he is happy @ Real, & is determined 2 win more trophies with the club next season.

"Wat they're saying each day in Italy, tat I will 1s again be coach of Inter next season, is false, completely false," Mourinho said. "I am more & more content & happy @ Real Madrid.

"Normally, my teams r always better the 2nd season than the 1st. Becos of tat, I 1 2 be here next season, with the belief tat Real Madrid will be better."

Mourinho's Real look certain 2 fall short in La Liga with Barcelona looking comfortable @ the top, but the arch rivals meet in the Champions League semi-finals with a place in the Wembley final @ stake.

[CKee]

Deploying Pepe as the midfield destroyer in the league match against Barca was a masterstroke and he turned out to the man of the match.

In the Kings Cup Final, Barca fielded Javier Mascherano but he ended up as passenger. Pepe played much better and Real had more attacking penetration.

Barca are the masters in keeping the ball and having watched most of their games, they usually end up having more than 70% of the possession. This translates to having 60+ minutes in a full game, which is a heck of a lot. Against weaker opposition they would score loads, but Jose has proved with his Inter team of last season and Real (so far) that the possession must translate into goals. I think he tried to act smart by fighting fire with fire in Real's 1st league game against Barca and kena walloped 5-0. So must stay faithful to the tried and tested method of yielding possession, with fast counter-attacks and making sure that every scoring oppty results in a goal. Barca's way is only through possession and lethal attack. As one reporter said, they have no Plan B.

Over 2 games, my money's on Real of going through to the Champions League Final.

[joew2005]

Jose Mourinho is indeed the special 1.
We shall see whether Pep Guardiola & his men r able 2 turn the tables against real tis time round.

there is bound 2 be some1 tat is smarter than jose, not necessary with the ego of jose's. Andre Villas-Boas of FC Porto could become 1 in the making ...

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/913208/mourinho-resolve-stiffened-by-barca-row?cc=4716

Mourinho resolve stiffened April 29, 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has spoken 4 the 1st time since his attack on Barcelona in the wake of their 2-0 defeat in the Champions League.

Mourinho chose not 2 add 2 his tirade abt the influence tat Barcelona supposedly hv over UEFA & match officials, & instead confirmed tat the situation stiffened his own resolve 2 stay in Madrid.

''2 remain @ Real Madrid makes more sense than ever b4. Now I hv more willingness 2 continue in charge of Real Madrid 4 wat tis means,'' he told a news conference ahead of the club's La Liga match @ home 2 Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

''Tis (Madrid) jersey is white, & white now has more significance. I m in very good shape. My health is perfect & I m working as always."

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against him 4 his post-match press conference, & Mourinho did not stoke the fires further, instead referring 2 the thousands of published images of Pepe's challenge on Daniel Alves tat resulted in his sending-off, which show minimal contact was made.

"I don't 1 2 speak abt the issue 4 a simple reason: a picture is worth more than words," he said. "I hv nothing else 2 say. I hv said wat I wanted.

"Whoever criticises my words, criticises the pictures & must think the photos r photoshopped & the videos r altered - I hv absolutely nothing else left 2 say.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302162&cc=4716

Zaragoza dent Real title dream

A miserable few days 4 Real Madrid was capped by a shock home defeat 2 lowly Real Zaragoza tat all but ends their already slim hopes of winning the Primera Division title.

3 days aft seeing their Champions League hopes take a massive hit with a 2-0 semi-final 1st leg defeat 2 Barcelona, Madrid can almost bid farewell 2 the league following tis loss.

Angel Lafita was Madrid's tormentor-in-chief, scoring 2 of Zaragoza's goals & winning the penalty tat led 2 Gabi scoring the 3rd.

Madrid had hit back fr 2-0 & 3-1 down with goals fr Sergio Ramos & Karim Benzema but they could not find a 3rd, & they also finished the match with 10 men following Ricardo Carvalho's late sending off.

While the result was bad 4 Madrid, Zaragoza provisionally move 4 points clear of the drop zone with a potentially invaluable victory.

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho made 8 changes 2 the side tat started against Barca & selected the majority of the team tat did so well in thrashing 3rd-placed Valencia 6-3 away fr home last week.

However, Madrid, who led 4-0 @ half-time at the Mestalla, did not find it anywhere as easy 2 break down Zaragoza's massed defence as they had against Valencia, & a 25-yard effort fr Kaka tat went wide was their only serious threat in the opening period.

In contrast, Zaragoza came close 2 breaking the deadlock aft just 6 mins, Ikechukwu Uche seeing his effort parried by Iker Casillas, & the visitors went 1 better than tat just b4 the break when they took the lead.

The goal was 1 tat Casillas will not 1 2 see again as he completely fluffed his attempted clearance aft racing out of his area, allowing Uche 2 feed the ball inside 2 Lafita, who tapped the ball in2 an empty net.

Despite his side's struggles, Mourinho - who had omitted top scorer CR fr his match-day squad - did not make any changes @ the break.

The Portuguese waited just 8 mins of the 2nd half 2 switch things around though, sending on Angel Di Maria & Marcelo 4 youngsters Sergio Canales & Nacho Gonzalez, but b4 either could make an impact Zaragoza went 2-0 ahead.

A quick Zaragoza counter-attack ended with Carvalho bringing down Lafita just inside the area, & fr the resulting penalty Gabi sent Casillas the wrong way.

Tat left Madrid staring @ just a 4th league defeat of the season, but they gave themselves a lifeline when Ramos pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute.

Mesut Ozil, who had come on in place of Esteban Granero, curled over a corner fr the left & Ramos planted a header past visiting goalkeeper Antonio Doblas.

Boosted by tat goal Madrid turned up the pressure on the Zaragoza defence & Benzema saw a header saved by Doblas b4 the Frenchman smashed a shot against the crossbar.

However, the home side's hopes of getting anything out of the match suffered a huge blow in the 77th min when Zaragoza netted a 3rd following a rapid counter-attack.

A Madrid corner was cleared 2 Uche, whose ball in2 the middle found Lafita in acres of space & he beat Casillas when 1-on-1.

Tat was not the end of the scoring though, & Madrid, having gone close thru Benzema & Kaka, made it 3-2 in the 84th minute thru Benzema, who picked up a pass fr Gonzalo Higuain b4 firing in2 the far bottom corner.

The loss of Carvalho 2 a 2nd yellow card soon aft dented Madrid's hopes of an equaliser, but they still continued 2 push forward.

However, despite 6 mins of injury time, they could not find a way thru & they now look set 2 see bitter rivals Barca win the league title 4 3rd successive season.

Mourinho takes blame for defeat

Aft the match, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho accepted the blame, citing a lack of motivation amongst his players @ the start as the cause 4 their downfall.

"Our opponents hv fought a lot, 4 them the points were practically decisive 4 Primera Division survival. In football the difference in mental preparation is important, when 1 team goes out full of concentration & motivation & the other doesn't, the blame is the coach's, obviously,'' he said.

"The team was basically the same tat played in difficult games in Bilbao & Valencia, where we won easily & by playing well. But 2day the coach hasn't been able 2 sufficiently motivate his players. In the 1st half we didn't play well.

"The 2nd half was completely different, the 2nd half was good but we gifted 3 goals 2 our opponents. They beat us & congratulations 2 them.''

Mourinho also insisted his conscious was "clear'' with regards the team he picked, even though he concedes Zaragoza's relegation rivals will not be happy tat Madrid lost.

Mourinho, who criticised Sporting Gijon earlier tis season 4 playing a supposedly weakened team against Madrid's title rivals Barcelona, said: "I would understand (the other coaches) even though tis team won in Valencia & Bilbao, 2 very difficult stadiums. The team had more than enough quality 2 win.

"I hv a clear conscience & I've not wanted 2 gift anything 2 Zaragoza nor 2 the rest of the teams tat r fighting 4 survival. When we were losing I sent on 1st-choice players who were tired, Mesut Ozil, Angel Di Maria & Marcelo.

"I don't feel tat we've gifted anything 2 Zaragoza but I accept tat coaches of other teams could be very disappointed (with tis result). Madrid hv tried everything possible 2 win & you also hv 2 give credit 2 your opponents.''

Mourinho was also asked abt his decision 2 leave top scorer CR out of his squad 4 2nite's match, which has been viewed by some as a reaction 2 the critical comments the £80million man made abt Madrid's defensive approach 2 Wednesday's Champions League game with Barca.

Mourinho said: "It was my decision becos I had Higuain & Benzema 2 play. They were both motivated & eager 2 play 90 mins. Also, Higuain needs playing time 2 recover his top form. I also had (Emmanuel) Adebayor & Di Maria on the bench, I had options.''


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/301990?cc=4716

Sociedad surprise Barca with defeat

Barcelona missed the chance 2 move within a point of the Primera Division title as they surprisingly lost 2-1 @ Real Sociedad in the 34th round of matches.

Thiago Alcantara gave Barca the lead late in the 1st half, but late goals fr Diego Ifran & Xabi Prieto - fr the penalty spot - handed the Basques a shock win.

Barcelona had seen fierce rivals Real Madrid surprisingly lose 3-2 @ home 2 Zaragoza in the early match & knew a win in San Sebastian would take them 11 points clear with only 12 points to play 4.

With the Catalans set 2 face Madrid in the teams' Champions League semi-final 2nd leg @ the Nou Camp on Tuesday night, coach Pep Guardiola rang the changes.

Victor Valdes, Dani Alves, David Villa, Sergio Busquets, Carles Puyol & Pedro were all left out of the starting line-up, with the last 2 struggling with knocks aft Wednesday's 1st-leg game.

With left-backs Adriano, Maxwell & Eric Abidal all sidelined as well, Guardiola handed rare starts 2 Andreu Fontas & Martin Montoya in the full-back positions, while Ibrahim Afellay & Jeffren Suarez began in attack.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, was the inclusion of Lionel Messi, who had been carrying a knock aft Wednesday's match @ the Santiago Bernabeu.

Messi was involved early on, firing off target aft 4 mins & setting up Afellay 4 a decent chance moments later.

Raul Tamudo, so often a thorn in Barca's side in his time @ Espanyol, missed a good opening @ the other end aft a quarter of an hour.

But Barca looked the more likely & the Catalans took the lead aft half an hour, when Messi miscontrolled Xavi's pass & the ball rolled thru 2 Thiago, who clipped a shot over Real goalkeeper Claudio Bravo & in off the bar.

There were chances 4 both sides aft the break, but Barca looked comfortable enough until Ifran levelled 19 minutes fr time.

The Uruguayan 4ward scooped the ball over Pinto aft a thru-ball fr Antoine Griezmann pierced a hole in the Barca defence.

Gabi Milito then saw a goal disallowed following a free-kick @ the other end, but Real came close again as Xabi Prieto tested Pinto.

A min later, though, Javier Mascherano fouled David Zurutuza in the area & Real had a penalty.

Xabi Prieto hit a weak kick straight down the middle, which Pinto almost saved as he changed direction, but the Andalusian keeper was unable 2 make the save - much 2 his disgust - & Real had a shock lead.

Bravo saved fr Messi & Jeffren also came close late on, but Barca lost 4 only the 2nd time in the league tis season & will hv 2 put their title celebrations on hold 4 now.

With 4 games left, the Catalans still lead Madrid by 8 points.

Real, meanwhile, took a big step 2wards survival as they moved up to 11th place, with a total of 41 points.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914475/karanka-to-take-real-madrid-press-call?cc=4716

Karanka to take Madrid press call

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka will speak 2 the media on Monday ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final 2nd leg against Barcelona instead of coach Jose Mourinho.
Karanka will answer questions in the pre-match press conference along with Madrid striker Karim Benzema @ the Nou Camp @ 1930 (local time).

Mourinho, who was sent off in the 1st leg as Madrid lost 2-0 @ the Bernabeu, caused a huge controversy with his comments in both press conferences b4 & after last week's match.

Prior 2 the game he hit out @ opposite number Pep Guardiola & then following his side's defeat he implied Barca receive favourable treatment fr referees & claimed the Catalan club had yet 2 win a "clean'' Champions League title under Guardiola.

UEFA subsequently announced various charges against Mourinho, Madrid & Barca following the ill-tempered clash, while Barca also reported Mourinho 2 European football's governing body regarding his comments.

The 5 charges against Madrid r related 2 the throwing of missiles, a pitch invasion, Pepe's red card, the dismissal of Mourinho & the "inappropriate statement'' given by the Portuguese coach @ the post-match press conference.

Barca, who won the game thanks 2 a pair of Lionel Messi strikes, face just 1 charge aft substitute goalkeeper Jose Pinto was shown a red card during the half-time melee.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914597/ottmar-hitzfeld-blasts-'shameful'-real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho?cc=4716

Hitzfeld hits out at Mourinho

2-time Champions League winner Ottmar Hitzfeld has blasted Jose Mourinho 4 his "boorish" attitude & "shameful" tactics.

Mourinho has come under fire 4 his part in Real Madrid's 2-0 defeat 2 Barcelona last week in the 1st leg of their Champions League semi-final, with the former Chelsea & Inter boss adopting a defensive approach @ the Bernabeu & then making explosive comments 2 the press aft the game.

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against both clubs, but Switzerland boss Hitzfeld suggested the 1st-leg victory 4 Barca was justice 4 the sport aft the way he approached the game.

"Luckily, Mourinho's destructive tactics, aimed solely @ provoking & destroying the opponents' gameplan, did not work," he told German magazine Kicker.

"Such a way of playing does not relate 2 the demands of Real. It's really shameful 4 Real Madrid. It harms the good name & image of tis legendary club.

"I've met him @ UEFA meetings & his behaviour is faithful 2 his image: arrogant, haughty, chewing gum & somewat of a boor. Barca should make him pay on the pitch."

Hitzfeld won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997 & Bayern Munich in 2001, & has also won the Bundesliga on 7 occasions as a coach.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/915187/ramon-calderon-casts-doubt-on-jose-mourinho-future?cc=4716

Calderon casts doubt on Jose future

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has cast doubt on Jose Mourinho's future @ the Bernabeu, claiming the manager's recent controversies hv been "harmful" 2 the club.

Mourinho saw his side crash out of the Champions League 2 bitter rivals Barcelona fr the comfort of his hotel room, aft being banned fr the touchline.

The former Chelsea boss, who was sent 2 the stands during the 1st leg, made a string of claims in the wake of the 2-0 defeat last week, notably tat Barca had been on the receiving end of favourable treatment fr UEFA.

His mood will unlikely hv been improved by the controversial decision 2 disallow a goal fr Gonzalo Higuain when the score in the 2nd leg was 0-0. Cristiano Ronaldo & Xabi Alonso hv backed up their manager, claiming their exit fr the Champions League was on account of decision making fr the officials.

But it is the manager who has come in 4 criticism fr Calderon, who feels Mourinho would hv been better served congratulating Barcelona.

"I think wat he did in terms of talking abt UEFA & referees is not acceptable @ all," Calderon told Radio 5 Live. "It doesn't match with Real Madrid's history.

"I assume tat he's a very, very good manager, but talking like tat has been harmful 4 Real Madrid.

"I think big clubs can never blame the referee 4 their defeats. I think the semi-final was over in the 1st match @ the Bernabeu when we lost 2-0.

"We invested €450 million in the last 2 years 2 build a very important & strong team, so if you lose you can't blame injuries, bad luck, the referee... If you lose, you hv 2 congratulate your rival."

Barca r likely 2 clinch the Spanish title in the coming weeks & Calderon is unsure of Mourinho's position @ the Bernabeu.

"It is difficult 2 succeed here becos people r very demanding," he said. "There's a lot of pressure here. He said he's going 2 [continue] in his position next year, but you never know."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/915991/jose-mourinho-gets-five-match-ban-for-uefa-rant?cc=4716

Mourinho gets five-match ban

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been handed a 5-match ban & fined €50,000 for his criticism of UEFA & Barcelona following their 1st leg defeat 2 the Catalans in the Champions League semi-finals.

Mourinho's rant claimed tat Barcelona were given preferential treatment by UEFA officials & tat, next year, they should just 'hand the trophy' over 2 them b4 reeling off a list of injustices fr previous years. Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has already revealed his dissatisfaction @ Mourinho's comments & now UEFA hv acted in a move tat will act as a precedent 2 any similiar criticism fr managers.

The 5-game ban is, in effect, 3; as 1 of the games has already been served (the 2nd leg @ the Nou Camp) & 1 is suspended. It means tat, if Mourinho remains @ Real 4 next season, he would miss their opening 3 group fixtures.

A statement on the UEFA website read: ''Madrid coach José Mourinho, who was dismissed fr the bench in the 1st leg & made an inappropriate statement @ the post-match interview, has been suspended 4 the next 5 UEFA club competition matches 4 which he would otherwise be eligible. The suspension includes the 1-match ban 4 the match following the coach's dismissal, which was served 4 the return leg in Barcelona on Tuesday. The 5th match is suspended 4 a probationary period of 3 years. Mourinho has also been fined €50,000.''

Both Barca & Madrid were also hit others bans. Pepe was suspended 4 1 match 4 his sending off, but has already served his time becos he played no part in the 2nd leg, while Barcelona reserve goalkeeper Jose Pinto, sent off @ half-time of the 1st leg in Madrid, was handed a 3-match ban & will thus miss the Champions League final.

Real Madrid were additionally fined €20,000 "for the improper conduct of their supporters". The club hv already claimed they will appeal.

A statement read: ''Real Madrid CF considers tis resolution still suffers fr the same defects found @ the start of the disciplinary case, which made it impossible 4 our coach 2 use his right 2 defend himself, since the exact statements 4 which the disciplinary case was opened r still unknown. Real Madrid CF will appeal tis decision b4 the UEFA appeals body.''

Barcelona hv also announced they will appeal against the 3-match ban handed down 2 Pinto.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/916148/real-madrid-coach-jose-mourinho-plans-to-boycott-press-conferences?cc=4716

Mourinho set for media silence

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka says Jose Mourinho has been left in the dark as 2 the official reason he was handed a 5-match ban by UEFA & tat he does not intend 2 speak 2 the media until an explanation is given.

European football's governing body announced Mourinho's suspension on Friday among a series of punishments meted out 2 both Madrid & Barcelona 4 incidents during last week's ill-tempered Champions League semi-final 1st leg betw the Spanish rivals.

According 2 a statement on the UEFA website: "Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed fr the bench in the 1st leg & made an inappropriate statement @ the post-match interview, has been suspended 4 the next 5 UEFA club competition matches 4 which he would otherwise be eligible."

However, Madrid & Karanka both subsequently said they had not received an explanation fr UEFA 4 Mourinho's ban.

In announcing they would be appealing the ruling, Madrid said in a statement: "Real Madrid considers tis resolution still suffers fr the same defects found @ the start of the disciplinary case, which made it impossible 4 our coach 2 use his right 2 defend himself, since the exact statements 4 which the disciplinary case was opened r still unknown."

Karanka, who took Friday night's press conference in place of Mourinho, echoed tat point, saying: "We still don't know the reason 4 the sanction.

"The club hv already announced they r going 2 appeal &, on a personal level, Mourinho is going 2 defend himself & he will fight 2 the end."

Karanka also suggested Mourinho would not appear b4 the media again until he receives an explanation fr UEFA.

"It's UEFA who hv sanctioned him & as of right now they haven't communicated the reason why they hv sanctioned the coach," he said. "It's his decision [not 2 speak 2 the press], like every time tat I've come out. Both he & the club r going 2 defend themselves 4 justice & defend themselves fr wat has happened. He doesn't 1 2 talk or make a comment.

"We aren't going 2 look 2 wat will happen next week. The idea is that until [his punishment] is specified or [he] is given a concrete reason, he won't come out [2 speak]."

Mourinho, who was sent off in the 1st leg 4 his reaction 2 Pepe's 2nd-half red card, caused a huge controversy with his comments in both press conferences b4 & after the match.

Prior 2 the game he hit out at opposite number Pep Guardiola & then following his side's 2-0 defeat he insinuated Barca receive favourable treatment fr UEFA & claimed the Catalan club had yet 2 win a "clean" Champions League title under Guardiola.

The former Inter Milan boss, whose side ended up being knocked out of the Champions League 3-1 on aggregate 2 Barca, has already served a 1-match ban & another is suspended, meaning he will miss Madrid's 1st 3 European games next season.

Mourinho was also fined €50,000 by UEFA's control & disciplinary body 4 his sending-off & comments aft the 1st leg, while midfielder Pepe has been given a 1-game ban, which he served in the 2nd leg, 4 his dismissal.

Madrid were also fined €20,000 for the behaviour of their fans, while Barcelona reserve 'keeper Jose Pinto, who was red-carded aft a scuffle @ half-time @ the Bernabeu, was given a 3-game ban by UEFA.

Like Madrid, Barcelona hv announced they will appeal against tat punishment, which would rule Pinto out of the Champions League final against ManU.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/917027/gary-neville:-jose-mourinho-a-contender-to-replace-fergie?cc=4716

Neville: Mourinho a contender

Gary Neville believes Jose Mourinho will be a strong contender 2 replace Sir Alex Ferguson when he finally steps down fr his position @ Old Trafford.

Mourinho is often named as a possible candidate 2 take on 1 of football's most daunting tasks: replacing the man who has managed United since 1986 & achieved such incredible success.

Though Mourinho's own formidable reputation has taken a knock of late given Real Madrid's loss 2 Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals & his outburst following the 1st leg, he is still 1 of the most highly-regarded coaches in the business.

Neville, who retired fr professional football earlier tis season, certainly believes the Portuguese has some of the qualities needed 2 step in2 Ferguson's shoes.

"I really like tis manager. I think he's a fantastic manager," Neville told the BBC. "His team get results & he does wat he has 2 do 2 get results.

"Tis guy has won European Cups. He's a serial winner. He knows how 2 win games. There r many good managers out there & it won't be just him on the cards I m sure.

"Tat is the most difficult question 4 ManU - the day when he is not manager anymore."

Ferguson has said he will definitely not retire @ the end of tis season, but he remains on a rolling contract @ Old Trafford.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/917023/mario-balotelli:-man-city-don't-need-mourinho,-we-have-mancini?cc=4716

Balotelli: City don't need Mourinho

Mario Balotelli says ManC do not need 2 replace Roberto Mancini with Jose Mourinho tis summer, & has praised his fellow Italian 4 the way he has handled him @ Eastlands.

Balotelli has proved 2 be a lightning rod 4 controversy since joining City fr Inter & has angered Mancini with his behaviour, particularly when getting sent off in a Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev.

However, the young 4ward appears content 2 work under the man who brought him in2 the Inter 1st team & says Mancini has surpassed Mourinho, who replaced him as Nerazzurri manager in 2008, in his man-management skills.

When told tat some supporters would like Mourinho 2 arrive in the summer, Balotelli replied: "Why? City r 4th in the league, we r in the FA Cup final 4 the 1st time in 30 years. I don't know why somebody would 1 another coach. Roberto is doing very well; why should he be changed? Roberto never lies. He says wat he has 2 say; that's wat I like abt him. I trust Roberto.

"Maybe Mourinho said I was unmanageable becos he could not do it. Roberto Mancini is managing me now, so wat Mourinho said is not true. They r both great managers but they r different. When I had problems with Mourinho, he tried 2 work against me; Mancini has supported me.

"Mancini killed me in the dressing room aft I was sent off against Kiev, he told me: 'You're an idiot, I don't know why I buy you & why I bother with u' but, with the press, he speaks well of me. The problem with Mourinho & me was tat we r the same kind of character."

However, ManC striker Emmanuel Adebayor, currently working under Mourinho @ Real Madrid aft joining the club on loan in January, has a very different appraisal of the respective merits of the 2 managers.

"There is a huge difference betw Mancini & Mourinho," he told the News of the World. "Jose has personality, character & he's not afraid 2 talk 2 you, whoever u r.

"At City I didn't exist. Mancini didn't talk 2 me & ppl had 4gotten abt me. But then you hear Real Madrid 1 u & it lifted me immediately. I thought, 'Okay, tis means I m a good player'.

"I needed the manager 2 help me become a better player, but he was always criticising me. Mancini had no confidence in me @ all. 4 him, watever I did was wrong. I remember scoring a hat-trick but he said I should hv scored more. I tried a few times 2 talk 2 him man 2 man, but he never explained why he didn't like me."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/922907/real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho-breaks-silence?cc=4716

Mourinho breaks silence, urges fair play

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has ended his recent silence by thanking the club's fans & insisting Los Blancos r ready 2 fight 2 ensure campaigns against racism & in favour of fair play will not "just be words".

Mourinho, 48, has not spoken 2 the media since being handed a 5-match ban by UEFA 4 his actions during & after the fiery Champions League semi-final 1st leg against Barcelona @ the Bernabeu last month.

In his post-match conference, the Portuguese boss slammed wat he perceived 2 be favouritism 2wards Barca, & Real subsequently made complaints 2 UEFA, accusing the Catalans of "feigning aggressions" & then claiming Marcelo was racially abused by Sergio Busquets.

UEFA ultimately dismissed those allegations of racism due 2 "a lack of strong & convincing evidence,'' while European football's governing body also rejected Madrid's complaint abt the supposed actions of Barca's players during the match.

Mourinho appeared 2 allude 2 those decisions in Monday's message to supporters, which was shown on Real Madrid's official website.

"The season has finished & I 1 2 thank the Real Madrid supporters 4 all the affection & support they hv given 2 both the team & the coaching staff," Mourinho said. "We've worked seriously & with dedication, but obviously we leave 2 u the analysis the work tis squad has done during tis last year.

"We will return on July 11 with the same passion & with the same motivation as always 2 continue trying 2 dignify the prestige & the incomparable history of Real Madrid.

"Finally, I 1 2 end with a very simple wish, which is that next season we recover certain principles tat nobody should ever forget, & which tis season some football professionals & some institutions hv sometimes forgotten, & which must be the basis of our sport.

"2 talk of fair-play, of respect 2 your opponents & of the red card 2 racism must not just be words, they must be facts. I repeat, I hv the hope tat next season we can recover 4 our sport these absolutely fundamental principles.''

In the wake of the incidents fr the Champions League semi, which Barca won 3-1 on aggregate 2 progress thru 2 a final showdown with ManU @ Wembley, UEFA's control & disciplinary body announced various sanctions.

Mourinho, who was sent off in the 1st leg 4 his reaction 2 Pepe's 2nd-half red card, was also fined 50,000 euros as well as his 5-match ban - 1 of which he served in the 2nd leg & another of which is suspended.

Madrid midfielder Pepe was given a 1-game ban, which he served in the 2nd leg, 4 his sending off, while the capital club were also fined 20,000 euros 4 the behaviour of their fans.

Barca reserve goalkeeper Jose Pinto, who was red-carded aft a scuffle @ half-time @ the Bernabeu, was given a 3-game ban. Mourinho's comments b4 & aft the semi-final 1st leg caused a huge controversy.

Prior 2 the game he hit out @ opposite number Pep Guardiola & then following his side's defeat he insinuated Barca receive favourable treatment fr the authorities & claimed the Catalan club had yet 2 win a "clean'' Champions League title under Guardiola.

Tis was Mourinho's 1st season in charge of Madrid, with whom he won the Copa del Rey with victory over Barca in the final & finished 2nd 2 Guardiola's side in the Primera Division.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/923283/massimiliano-allegri:-jose-mourinho-is-pathetic-and-insecure?cc=4716

Allegri: Mourinho pathetic and insecure

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has hit out @ Jose Mourinho, labelling the Real Madrid boss "pathetic" & "insecure".

Allegri, who has just led Milan 2 their 1st Serie A title in 7 years, came up against Mourinho in the group stages of tis season's Champions League - with Real beating the Rossoneri @ home & drawing @ the San Siro.

And when quizzed on his rival coaches on television show Le Iene, Allegri was quick 2 stick the boot in2 the Portuguese boss, who won 2 Scudetti, the Coppa Italia & the Champions League with Milan's city rivals Inter.

"Every now & then he is pathetic," Allegri said, when asked abt Mourinho. "He continuously repeats the same things & it becomes banal. I think he is very talented but his arrogance hides insecurity."

Mourinho is a figure who undoubtedly polarises opinion, no more so than aft his recent outburst against Barcelona in the aftermath of Real's Champions League semi-final 1st-leg defeat 2 the Catalans.

He was given a 5-match ban by UEFA 4 claiming tat Barca received favourable treatment but was widely criticised 4 his claims, with former Real boss Guus Hiddink insisting earlier tis month tat he should apologise 4 his actions.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/923412/general-director-jorge-valdano-sacked-by-real-madrid?cc=4716

Valdano sacked by Real Madrid

Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has been sacked by the club, a move which hands full control of transfers over 2 manager Jose Mourinho.

"We hv decided 2 end the contractual relationship with Jorge Valdano," Perez said @ a news conference @ Real's Bernabeu stadium following a meeting of the club's board of directors.

"I 1 2 stress how painful the departure of Jorge Valdano is 2 me. We hv traveled a long distance 2gether. Mourinho did not make any demands. He asked 4 more autonomy in line with how English clubs r organised. Everything tat we do we do becos they r the right decisions tat do not take in2 account personal sentiment.

''The experience of the season just ended has shown the need 4 new organisation @ the club, giving autonomy 2 our coach. Tis is the 1st step in our reorganisation process which we will develop in the coming weeks.''

Valdano & Mourinho had clashed earlier tis season with the Portuguese boss outlining his desire 2 spend money on another striker during the winter transfer window aft Gonzalo Higuain was ruled out of action for 4 months.

Mourinho was angry tat Valdano had spoken 2 the press aft Real Madrid's shock 1-1 draw against bottom club Almeria in January, claiming 40 million striker Karim Benzema was suffering "a great injustice" by being left out of the side.

Valdano had said: ''We r spectators 2 watever the coach decides. I hope Benzema does not stay on the bench 4 2 long. The situation surrounding him is unfair.''

But Mourinho hit back: '' 'I pick the team, & if I need any help then I hv my coaching staff. I did not speak abt it again. I m not the 1 sending messages. I got where I m thinking with my own head & I m too old 4 messages in the newspapers. Little messages don't get 2 me."

Eventually loan signing Emmanuel Adebayor arrived fr ManC but Valdano admitted tat he may hv 2 step away fr his post 4 the good of the club.

"If I hv 2 step away 4 Mourinho 2 feel more comfortable, so be it," he said. "Fr my responsibility, it is important not 2 create more tension here. The coach feels more comfortable in his relationship with the president, so we must seek working conditions tat r comfortable. The enemies r the enemies & tat is where efforts should be focused."

Perez has now taken action 2 remove the tension betw the 2 & reports suggest tat Valdano's payoff is in the region of €3.5 million.

Valdano himself said: ''I hv always respected Real Madrid. I've never turned the club in2 a battlefield. I always put my position as director general b4 who I m, & I hv always avoided fighting tat battle.

''I hv great respect & love 4 tis club, & all my efforts were aimed @ living up 2 the greatness of tis team.

''I believe Jose Mourinho staying on is good 4 a club tat's been unstable in the past. It needs 2 settle 4 a reasonable period of time. He's done a good job, I believe he is a good coach & I find it normal tat he stays on.

''Real Madrid is great, which doesn't mean tis new structure belittles it. The president came up with tis solution 2 resolve a difficult situation tat wasn't easy 2 manage.

''It is always painful 2 leave people & places you love. The public had 2 know abt tis & I wished 2 say goodbye.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/925510/jose-mourinho-rules-out-gonzalo-higuain-and-karim-benzema-sales?cc=4716

Higuain and Benzema to stay put

Jose Mourinho has dismissed reports tat Gonzalo Higuain & Karim Benzema could leave Real Madrid tis summer & suggested he is keen 2 seal the permanent signing of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Mourinho has long made clear his desire 2 strengthen Madrid's 4ward line, & Adebayor arrived on loan fr ManC in January 2 bolster his options aft a long-term injury 2 Higuain heavily restricted his options.

Nonetheless, there hv been numerous reports tat Higuain & Benzema could be on their way out of the Bernabeu, with Arsene Wenger recently saying of the latter: "Signing him does not seem impossible. He's a player tat I like." Higuain's father, meanwhile, said tis week that his son wanted 2 remain in Madrid but confirmed tat "a lot of clubs in Europe like him".

In an interview with Cadena SER on Thursday night, though, Mourinho confirmed the duo were "non-transferable".

Asked whether he would refuse 2 let them leave, he said: "It is not a case of me refusing 2 sell them. I don't make those decisions. If the club 1 2 do something, I'm nobody. We all agree on Higuain & Benzema: we 1 2 keep them."

There had been suggestions tat Mourinho would be taking control of transfer policy @ the club following the departure of general director Jorge Valdano, but he emphasised tat is not the case.

"I hv no more power than I had b4,'' he added. ''Madrid r looking 4 a new model within the organisation. Having a good structure [@ the club] is not a guarantee of success, but a bad structure tat is not suited 2 the modern game - tat is a guarantee of failure. We must modernise & aim 4 perfection.

''I will still only be a coach & nothing more. With Valdano, there was nothing personal. I wish him all the best."

Mourinho, though, is likely 2 hv a significant influence on who arrives @ the club tis summer & was asked abt several players. On Adebayor - who had appeared likely 2 return 2 Eastlands - Mourinho suggested Madrid were keen 2 complete a deal.

"He is a City player & there is a clause 2 buy him,'' he said. ''We r in a good bargaining position & the player 1s 2 stay here. Tat's important."

Atletico Madrid 4ward Sergio Aguero has also been strongly linked with a move 2 the Bernabeu, & his remarks on Thursday tat he would prefer 2 remain in Spain hv been interpreted as a sign tat he could make the controversial move.

"I will not be a hypocrite," Mourinho said. "Kun is a fantastic player - I won't be afraid 2 say it - but he's an Atletico player. Madrid will not contact players b4 making an agreement with their club."

On Benfica's Fabio Coentrao, who has spoken of his determination 2 move 2 Madrid, he added: "He's a great player. I like him 4 his versatility, his ability 2 play all over. Players of his type r always welcome, especially @ a club as demanding as Madrid."

Meanwhile, Mourinho attempted 2 play down his bitter rift with Barcelona, where he worked under Bobby Robson in the late 1990s.

"I was there betw 1997 & 2000," he said. "Fr 2000 to 2011, everything changed - both the ppl & the institution. It's a different club now. I've never said I didn't enjoy working there. I hv nothing against the club.

"I knew Guardiola as a player, but it's been 10 years. Now he is the leader of the team, I don't know him. I knew a different Guardiola; he knew a different me."

Mourinho reiterated tat he was unhappy with the manner in which Barca won the Champions League semi-final but accepted tat their victory over ManU in the final was "well-deserved".

Asked abt Guardiola's description of him as 'the f**king chief' in a press conference ahead of their Champions League meeting, Mourinho said: "It is nothing special. He can say wat he 1s."

Mourinho had appeared 2 hold doubts over his future during the season amid his feud with Valdano, & has said on numerous occasions in the past tat he favours the Premier League.

However, he has stressed tat he 1s 2 stay on next season & denied he had considered leaving.

"The president is a proud leader who knows tat your heart & soul must be in Madrid 2 be here & tat 99.9% of professionals 1 2 be here. If I told him I was considering my future, he would say: 'Pack your bags & go'."

Asked which league he prefers, he said: "The leagues r different. I m now in Spain & Madrid only won 90 points & tat was not enough 2 win the title. Tat is strange @ tis level.

"There is passion everywhere you go & that's important. I'm very happy, so I will stay on next season. If the president, the board, the players & the fans r happy, I will [be @ the club in 2 years' time]."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/926259/real-chief-florentino-perez:-jose-mourinho-is-'best-in-the-world'?cc=4716

Perez: Mourinho is 'best in the world'

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reiterated his faith in Jose Mourinho, labelling the Portuguese ''the best coach in the world''.

The capital club finished 2nd in the Primera Division behind Barcelona & were also knocked out of the Champions League by their arch rivals @ the semi-final stage in Mourinho's 1st season @ the Bernabeu helm since his arrival fr Inter Milan last summer.

However, Madrid did enjoy Copa del Rey final success over Pep Guardiola's side & Perez believes Los Blancos r on the right track 2 pick up more silverware.

Addressing fans @ the club's Valdebebas training ground, he said: ''We hv a spectacular, young team, & the best coach in the world. Tis year we hv laid the groundwork 2 be able 2 meet the future challenges of Real Madrid. We won the cup & we r convinced tat tis cup is just the beginning of a great time.''

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder Luis Figo claims he has had no contact abt a return 2 the Bernabeu as part of the technical staff.

The departure of Jorge Valdano as director general last month has prompted much speculation abt who will replace the Argentinian, with Figo's name reportedly among the candidates. However, the former Portugal captain has played down such talk.

Figo, currently an ambassador 4 another of his former clubs, Inter Milan, said: ''They r just rumours & such statements r baseless becos, until now, nobody has offered me a return 2 the club.

''[Madrid special advisor Zinedine] Zidane has not invited me back, so I cannot accept anything. It's news coming out tat has no foundation. At tis moment I m happy @ Inter Milan.''

Figo would be open 2 the possibility of linking up with his Madrid coach Jose Mourinho - his former coach @ Inter - in the future, though.

''In the future you never know wat can happen,'' he added. ''On a personal level I had a fantastic year with Jose, which I enjoyed & we won major titles. It is therefore logical tat, if in the future it were 2 happen, I would be very happy.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/927900/man-utd-star-nani-admits-jose-mourinho-ambition?cc=4716

Nani admits Mourinho ambition

ManU winger Nani has said tat he harbours the ambition of playing under Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho 1 day.

While Nani claimed tat he was happy @ Old Trafford 4 the time being, he admitted tat he was pleased 2 hear tat other clubs were interested in him & tat he would love 2 play under his fellow countryman.

"I m fine @ ManU, but it is good 2 hear there r other clubs interested," Nani said @ a recent youth tournament in Seixal. ''Would I like 2 work under Mourinho? Yes, but @ tis moment I m fine @ ManU. It was a very positive season 4 ManU, & my best individual campaign.''

With Ashley Young due 2 arrive @ Old Trafford in a £16 million deal next week, speculation has continued over the Portuguese winger's future. Nani scored 10 goals & had 18 assists tis season,was voted by his team-mates as the Player of the Year for United.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/933442/david-beckham-tips-jose-mourinho-to-lead-real-madrid-to-glory?cc=4716

Beckham expects Madrid success
July 10, 2011

David Beckham believes Real Madrid r capable of winning every competition they enter tis season.

Arriving on the back of his Treble triumph with Inter, Jose Mourinho endured a disappointing 1st season with Madrid & only claimed the Copa del Rey as Barcelona triumphed in La Liga & the Champions League.

They hv already reinforced the squad tis summer with the likes of Fabio Coentrao & Nuri Sahin, though, & Beckham is convinced they will enjoy greater success in 2011-12.

"Madrid r building a powerful side with important players & they can win every competition they enter," he told Marca. "They're a team tat strike fear in2 their opponents & I hv no doubts tat they r capable of winning everything.

"They hv 1 of the best coaches in the world - Mourinho is a genius - & he has proved it with every team tat he's coached."

Beckham, who won the league title during his 4-year spell @ the Bernabeu, is preparing 2 face his former club when they take on LA Galaxy in a pre-season friendly @ the the LA Coliseum on July 16.

Beckham added: "Ronaldo is a phenomenon & 1 of the best players around. Hopefully I'll get 2 play against him."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/933911/jose-mourinho:-real-madrid-need-one-more-attacker?cc=4716

Mourinho: Real need one more attacker
July 12, 2011

Real Madrid may hv brought in 5 new players so far tis summer, but coach Jose Mourinho believes tat his side still need 1 more attacker.

Mourinho spent €30 million on Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao, while also adding Lens' Raphael Varane, midfielders Nuri Sahin & Hamit Altintop 2 the squad. 4ward Jose Callejon has also rejoined the club fr Espanyol, but with Emmanuel Adebayor heading back 2 ManC, the Portuguese boss still believes something is missing.

"We decided 2 improve & balance the squad without ever losing the dimension of creating a team 4 the future," Mourinho said in an interview on Real's website. "We hv signed players whom we felt were important 2 complete a squad tat was already very strong.

''In my opinion, & in tat of every1, we r missing 1 more man, 1 more attacker."

Madrid hv been linked with big-money bids 4 South American duo Sergio Aguero & Neymar, & Mourinho believes he is building 4 the future @ the Bernabeu.

"We hv a team tat needs 2 grow & @ certain moments it could feel some weakness on an emotional level & in terms of experience," he said. "I m delighted 2 work with them becos they r highly motivated & 1 2 learn & win. The technical staff is absolutely delighted."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/934163/jose-mourinho-hopeful-of-completing-emmanuel-adebayor-signing?cc=4716

Mourinho keen on Adebayor
July 13, 2011

Jose Mourinho feels Real Madrid r more likely 2 sign Emmanuel Adebayor than Neymar or Sergio Aguero tis summer.

Adebayor, 27, has been frozen out of the 1st-team picture @ ManC & has made clear his determination 2 return 2 the Bernabeu aft joining the club on loan last season.

Mourinho has already outlined his hope tat Madrid bring in a further striker tis summer & has now suggested they r hopeful of securing a permanent deal 4 Adebayor.

"Neymar is a Santos player. Aguero belongs 2 Atletico Madrid," Mourinho said. "Adebayor is @ ManC, but perhaps he is closer becos he was our player for 6 months.

"We should not be very distant fr those names, but I m calm becos we hv a fantastic squad & we r in a very good situation."

Mourinho's comments come as Adebayor again criticised City 4 the way they handled his omission fr the pre-season tour of the USA.

"I don't know wat I hv done wrong," he said in The Sun on Wednesday. "I get an email, out of the blue, on my holidays telling me I wasn't going on the tour & they told me I m not going 2 train with the 1st team.

"It's an insult 2 me 2 tell me I m now only fit 2 train with the reserves. I will return 2 training but I feel I've been let down & disrespected."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/936574/jose-mourinho-named-real-madrid%27s-head-of-football-operations?cc=4716

Mourinho lands new Real role
July 22, 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been appointed the club's head of football operations.

Mourinho, who took over as Real manager in 2010, clashed with former director Jorge Valdano last season & the Argentine was ultimately sacked fr his role in May.

Now, as part of a restructuring following Valdano's departure, Mourinho takes over the responsibilities as head of football operations. The former Chelsea manager will continue 2 work closely alongside sporting director & France great Zinedine Zidane, who has also taken on a more active role since Valdano's exit.

In his debut campain in charge of Los Blancos, Mourinho failed 2 wrestle the Primera Division title off Barcelona, finishing 4 points behind their rivals. He did, however, lift the Copa del Rey.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/938390/jose-mourinho's-uefa-ban-reduced-on-appeal?cc=4716

Mourinho ban reduced on appeal
July 29, 2011

UEFA hv confirmed they hv modified the 5-match European ban imposed on Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, so the 4th match, as well as the 5th, is now suspended.

Mourinho was handed the initial punishment in May in relation 2 the ill-tempered Champions League semi-final 1st leg against Barcelona @ the Bernabeu, when the Portuguese was sent 2 the stands during the game & made wat UEFA termed ''an inappropriate statement'' in the post-match press conference.

Mourinho, who served the 1st match of the ban in the 2nd leg against Barca, was also fined 50,000 euros by UEFA's control & disciplinary body.

Madrid lodged an appeal against the decision, which was heard - & partially upheld - by UEFA's appeals body 2day.

Mourinho was ordered 2 the stands during the 2-0 semi-final 1st leg defeat 2 Pep Guardiola`s side in April aft showing his displeasure @ the red card shown 2 Madrid midfielder Pepe.

In the post-match press conference Mourinho then courted controversy when he implied Barca receive favourable treatment fr referees & claimed the Catalan club had yet 2 win a ''clean'' Champions League title under Guardiola.

Madrid lost the semi-final 3-1 on aggregate & Barca went on 2 beat ManU in the final.

Last season was Mourinho's 1st in charge of Madrid, with whom he won the Copa del Rey with victory over Barca in the final & finished 2nd 2 Guardiola's side in the Primera Division.

[Hori]

The man to replace fergie at man utd one day

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/943686/jose-mourinho-and-real-madrid-done-with-transfer-market?cc=4716

Mourinho done with transfer market
August 14, 2011

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out making any further moves in the transfer market tis summer as the club prepares 2 take on rivals Barcelona in the 1st leg of the Supercopa tis weekend.

Mourinho has brought in Hamit Altintop, Jose Maria Callejon, Fabio Coentrao, Nuri Sahin & Raphael Varane recently, & the Portuguese tactician believes the squad is now sufficiently strong 2 win silverware tis season.

"I don't 1 any1 fr the fundamental group 2 go & I don't 1 a new player 2 come. We hv faith in each other. The squad is short, but we hv some players fr the Castilla who r more mature than b4. I hope 2 reach the end of the season with tis group.

"We've had 26 training sessions & 7 friendlies," said Mourinho. "The 26 training sessions & the 7 friendly matches were for 1 & a half hour each. We've planned 4 the season in the best way possible. We haven't just prepared 4 the Supercopa but also 4 the whole season."

The former Chelsea & FC Porto boss says Sunday's clash against their Catalan rivals will be another tense affair, typical of the recent clashes betw the 2 powerhouse clubs.

"The Clasicos of April & May were balanced & very tight, 2 draws, a win 4 them & another 4 us. I do not expect tis [match] 2 be different."

Meanwhile, the 48-year-old is pleased 2 hv had his touchline ban in the Champions League reduced to 2 games instead of the original 3. When asked if the punishment would change his outspoken ways, Mourinho left no doubt, saying: "Am I going 2 be quieter tis season? Nobody shuts me up."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/945200/real-madrid's-jose-mourinho-says-supercopa-is-'tiny-little-title'?cc=4716

Mourinho: Supercopa is 'tiny little title'
August 18, 2011

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho downplayed the importance of the Spanish Supercopa aft his side went down 3-2 in the 2nd leg @ the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.

Mourinho was involved in a nasty altercation with Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova during a sideline melee which included players & officials fr both clubs. The incident was sparked by a rash challenge fr Marcelo on new Barcelona recruit Cesc Fabregas.

However, the 48-year-old manager says the incident, along with the Supercopa trophy itself, means little as the La Liga season looms.

"If we said we r very happy when we do not win a title we would be hypocrites," Mourinho said. "Tis is a tiny little title, but we r not happy 2 not hv won it, but with the evolution of the team. We played both matches very well, we were fantastic.

"If we look @ the matches [against Barcelona] of the last 4 months, you see there is a great balance. Many draws, 1 victory 4 us in a final & 1 4 them 2day, not 2 mention the matches which had a story which does not deserve 2 be told."

Never 1 2 shy away fr controversial statements - Mourinho is currently serving a touchline ban in the UEFA Champions League 4 tat reason - the Portuguese tactician took the opportunity aft the match 2 take a swipe @ Madrid's fierce rivals.

"Fr the 1st minute of the 2nd half, & I will not criticise it, becos there r people who do tis, the ball boys hid themselves," Mourinho said. "Tat happens with tiny little teams when they r facing difficulties."

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola was less than amused regarding the antics of his Real Madrid counterpart.

"The images speak 4 themselves," Guardiola told Marca of the incident involving Mourinho & Vilanova. "We must be careful, becos 1 day we will cause harm, not on the field but off, & we're all a little responsible 4 tis."

Barca star Gerard Pique also weighed in2 the debate, suggesting the Madrid boss is having a negative impact on the game in Spain.

"I do not talk abt the brawl. But it's a shame, it is not the 1st time & it's always the same.

"Some1 has 2 take action on the matter. Mourinho is destroying Spanish football. There is talk abt the Catalans, but the problem is with Madrid. I think it's going 2 far. It cannot always end well. In the end tis will end very badly."


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/945218/mourinho-ruining-spanish-football,-says-pique?cc=4716

Mourinho 'destroying Spanish football'
August 18, 2011

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has accused Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho of "destroying Spanish football'' following an ill-tempered Supercopa @ the Camp Nou.

A late volley fr Lionel Messi gave Barca a 3-2 victory (5-4 on aggregate) in a 2nd-leg match tat saw 3 players sent off, Cesc Fabregas hacked down on his debut & Mourinho involved in ugly scenes on the sidelines.

The Real coach has become a controversial figure in Spain, just as he was in England & Italy, & a bad-tempered run of 5 'clasicos' last season, in which his side had 4 men sent off, continued in the traditional curtain-raiser 2 the Spanish season.

A brutal challenge fr Marcelo saw the Real defender dismissed in the closing moments of the Supercopa, which was followed by a huge melee involving players, substitutes & staff fr both sides, with Mesut Ozil & David Villa both shown red despite having already been substituted.

Mourinho, meanwhile, may come under scrutiny 4 his role in the fracas as he was pictured heading 2wards Barca coach Tito Vilanova & making contact with his face. Vilanova responded by pushing Mourinho, who walked away grinning.

Mourinho's opposite number Pep Guardiola did not wade in2 the issue but had a word of caution 4 those involved in the tense atmosphere on the pitch.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/945983/jose-mourinho-dishonours-real-madrid,-says-jorge-valdano?cc=4716

Valdano slams Mourinho behaviour
August 20, 2011

Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano believes the recent actions of Jose Mourinho r bringing dishonour 2 the powerhouse club.

Valdano, who won 3 La Liga titles as a player with Real, has lashed out @ Madrid's current manager aft Mourinho was seen becoming involved in a sideline altercation with Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova. The incident occured aft new Catalan recruit Cesc Fabregas was hacked down late in the 2nd leg of the Spanish Supercopa.

Mourinho & Valdano hv endured a shaky relationship over the years, with reports suggesting the latter left his post @ the club aft losing a power struggle with the Portuguese tactician.

"Let's say tat wat happened does not exactly honour Real Madrid or Mourinho," Valdano told ADN Deportes. "I m convinced no-1 is proud abt wat happened.

"Mourinho came 2 a club with 109 years of history & of course he represents a club with a very solid culture. Wat happened is tat in these moments the tension betw Real Madrid & Barcelona is so high tat every1 is overcome by the pressure."

Valdano admitted tat Barcelona hv recruited well tis summer, as they claimed their 1st silverware of the season with a 5-4 aggregate triumph in the Supercopa. The man known as 'the philosopher of football' has been particularly impressed by winger Alexis Sanchez.

"He is very fast, he also recovers balls with such ease tat it is not normal 4 a player like him & he demonstrated in the 1st match, practically without having trained with his team-mates, tat he can unbalance things, which will be very important 4 Barca.

"I think Cesc Fabregas' arrival will be very important 4 Alexis, just like it will be 4 Lionel Messi," he said.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/949283/platini-asks-mourinho-to-set-example?cc=4716

Platini asks Mourinho to set example
August 26, 2011

Michel Platini has called on Jose Mourinho 2 set an example aft the Real Madrid manager's apparent gouging the eye of a Barcelona coach.

Mourinho's action against Tito Vilanova came @ the end of a fiery encounter with Barca during last week's Supercopa match betw the 2.

"Every1 makes mistakes & he will be punished by the disciplinary committee of the national association,'' Platini said. "It would hv been better not 2 do tat - he is an educator, a coach, perhaps the best coach in the world. The great ppl in the world hv 2 be examples, they hv 2 be clean. It's a human reflection & I'm not afraid 2 say tat.''

Platini said UEFA would hold talks with the top coaches next week 2 clear up confusion over the level of contact tat managers r permitted if they hv been banned fr the touchline.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been banned for 2 more games aft appearing 2 issue instructions in the 1st leg against Udinese, though he is appealing.

Platini added: "There is alot of confusion. We hv a meeting next week with the elite coaches & we will discuss it.

"It's why we hv 2 speak with the coaches. I m not in love with tis regulation. 20 years ago it was clear, now you can communicate with every1, you can send an SMS.

"We hv 2 find something. We hv 2 speak with the coaches. I added tat 2 the agenda. It is easy 2 communicate with everybody now. We will see.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/953666/sir-alex-ferguson-defends-jose-mourinho-against-criticism?cc=4716

Ferguson defends Jose against criticism
September 6, 2011

SAF has launched a staunch defence of the touchline antics of Jose Mourinho, stressing tat the Real Madrid coach's behaviour is just his way of showing "enthusiasm" 4 the game.

Mourinho, 48, has been heavily criticised in recent months 4 his outbursts on the sidelines & in front of the media, with the Portuguese most recently lambasted 4 raking the eye of Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova @ the end of last month's Spanish Supercopa defeat 2 the Catalans.

A number of ppl hv spoken out against Mourinho, with former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano insisting "no-1 is proud" of his action & 2-time European Cup-winning coach Ottmar Hitzfeld slamming his "boorish" attitude & "shameful" tactics.

But Ferguson, who Mourinho has been tipped 2 succeed in the Old Trafford hotseat, believes tat the former Chelsea boss does not intend 2 be malicious.

"I don't find anything wrong with his enthusiasm,'' Ferguson told Corriere dello Sport. "When I was younger I showed more enthusiasm on the bench 2. I was always gesticulating & directing.

"It's Mourinho's nature 2 be agitated. When I saw Mourinho run up & down the touchline @ Old Trafford when he coached Porto, I said 2 myself, 'Did I also use 2 do tat?'

"Ppl recognise his enthusiasm. The fans understand tat he's fighting 4 them & 4 the squad.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/954012/jose-mourinho-hails-his-'best'-season-at-real-madrid?cc=4716

Mourinho hails 'best' season
September 8, 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has claimed last season's league campaign was his best ever as a manager.

Mourinho won the Copa Del Rey but missed out on the La Liga & Champions League titles 2 Barcelona in his 1st season in charge.

The Portuguese felt it was still a better campaign than any of those @ Porto, Chelsea or Inter Milan, though.

"Those who say it was the 1st time I did not win the league in my debut season r right, but it was my best tournament ever,'' Marca quoted Mourinho as saying in an interview with Portuguese news agency Lusa.

"It was the championship in which I won more points, won more games & scored more goals. It was a very, very, very good championship.

"The reality is tat we were 2nd, won the cup & reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. So it ended up being a good season, good 4 the 1st.''

Mourinho also explained his lack of big-name signings tis summer by claiming "radical changes in the 1st team'' were not needed.

Portugal full-back Fabio Coentrao was Madrid's biggest acquisition of the close season.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/980760/la-liga:-real-madrid-demolish-osasuna?cc=4716

Madrid extend lead over Barca
November 6, 2011

A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick & a Karim Benzema double helped Real Madrid record a thumping 7-1 win over Osasuna in a midday kick-off @ the Bernabeu. They r now 3 points clear @ the top of the table going in2 the international break.

In the week he collected the 2010-11 European Golden Boot, Ronaldo racked up his 12th treble in a Real shirt with a pair of headers & a penalty, while 2nd-half substitute Benzema scored goals 6 & 7. Pepe & Gonzalo Higuain had earlier restored Real's lead aft Ibrahima Balde equalised.

Later in the day, Lionel Messi scored in injury time 2 preserve Barcelona's unbeaten start 2 the season as they struggled 2 a 2-2 draw in heavy rain @ Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona conceded 4 the 1st time in 900 mins of football & appeared destined 4 defeat when Gerard Pique's own goal gave Athletic the lead with 10 mins 2 go.

However, Messi took advantage of a slip fr Gorka Iraizoz in a drenched penalty area 2 lash home a late equaliser. Cesc Fabregas had earlier cancelled out Ander Herrera's opener.

10-man Getafe moved 6 places up the table with a morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.

They closed 2 within 3 points of their opponents with goals fr Abdelaziz Barrada, Michel & a penalty fr Gimenez Diego Castro. Getafe, who had started the game bottom of the table, also had defender Alberto Lopo sent off aft less than half an hour & were twice pegged back by goals fr Radamel Falcao, with a penalty, & Alvaro Dominguez's deflected strike.

A makeshift Villarreal side frustrated Espanyol 2 come away with a point in a disappointing 0-0 draw in which the hosts finished with 10 men.

Villarreal's Marco Ruben had the best chance of the match in the 2nd period but could not direct Hernan Perez's pass in2 an open goal. Espanyol had Juan Forlin sent off with 15 mins remaining & the visitors nearly took all 3 points with the man advantage but Perez & Ruben saw efforts fly just off target.

Rayo Vallecano consigned Real Sociedad 2 their 6th defeat in 7 games with a comprehensive 4-0 win @ Las Vallecas.

The game's defining incident came just over 10 mins in when Claudio Bravo made a mess of saving Michu's shot, & Inigo Martinez was adjudged 2 hv pulled back Andrija Delibasic as he tried 2 pounce on the rebound. Martinez was sent-off & Piti converted the resulting penalty.

Unsurprisingly, with the extra man for 80 mins, Rayo dominated proceedings 4 the rest of the match & Michu ended the game as a contest with 2 fine finishes early in the 2nd-half.

Roberto Trashorras then sealed a perfect day 4 the hosts with a fantastic bending free-kick fr 30 yards tat left Bravo helpless.

An injury-time strike fr Helder Postiga salvaged a 2-2 draw 4 Real Zaragoza against Sporting Gijon @ La Romareda.

The Aragon side were on the verge of a 4th successive defeat until Postiga pounced. David Barral's brace helped Sporting recover fr a goal down aft Alberto Botia headed in2 his own goal in the 28th min.

Sporting r now unbeaten in 4 but Manolo Preciado's men could rue these 2 dropped points come the end of the Primera Division season.

Granada & Racing Santander demonstrated why they hv only scored 4 & 6 goals respectively in 11 league games tis season in a poor goalless draw @ Los Carmenes. The hosts did most of the attacking throughout the 90 mins but lacked the finishing touch on a number of occasions.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/982842/pep-guardiola:-jose-mourinho-is-the-best-in-the-world?cc=4716

Guardiola: Mourinho is the best
November 12, 2011

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola says tat rival Jose Mourinho is 'the best coach in the world' aft claiming tat u do not need 2 hv played the game 2 be a great manager.

Real Madrid's Mourinho never played @ a high-level, while Guardiola enjoyed a distinguished playing career in midfield 4 Barcelona & also represented Spain.

However, Guardiola believes tat a great boss is not necessarily carved out during a playing career & revealed his admiration 4 his great rival.

"It is not necessary 2 hv played football 2 become a great coach," Guardiola explained. "[Arrigo] Sacchi changed tis sport without having played, while Mourinho is probably the best coach in the world.

"2 hv been in dressing rooms b4 can help in certain situations, but 2 not hv been can also hv advantages."

Guardiola also said tat he hoped he would be allowed 2 choose when he retired fr management, rather than being sacked.

"When I was a player I knew the moment when I could not give any more @ the same level," he added. "It was when I felt tired & I know tat as a trainer the same thing will happen. I know tat day will come when I m tired of it & I will leave.

"I hope tat day comes beos normally in the life of a coach they sack u b4 tat becos u lose games. At the moment I can choose, but I know tat it will not always be like tis. If I lose then they will kick me out."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/988071/jose-mourinho-%27wanted-pep-guardiola-as-assistant%27-at-barcelona?cc=4716

Mourinho 'wanted Pep as assistant'
November 25, 2011

Jose Mourinho wanted Pep Guardiola as his assistant had he been given the job as Barcelona manager, according 2 4mer Barca vice-president Marc Ingla.

Ingla claimed Mourinho was in the frame 2 replace Frank Rijkaard, whose tenure as Barca coach finished @ the end of the 2007-08 season.

''We had a meeting with him [Mourinho] & his representative in a bank in Lisbon but we never seriously wanted 2 negotiate with him,'' Ingla told AS. ''Jorge Mendes [Mourinho's agent] was very insistent he wanted 2 see us.

''Mourinho showed us a PowerPoint slide show presentation summarising his football philosophy, how 2 enhance our classic 4-3-3 system, the ups & downs he had in his mind & even people who could work on his coaching staff.

''He gave us the names of Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Sergi Barjuan & [Albert] Chapi Ferrer as possible choices 2 become his assistant.''

But Ingla revealed Guardiola was chosen as coach becos he was preferred by then director of football Txiki Begiristain.

He said: ''(Pep) was Txiki's 1st choice & becos Mourinho told me he was not going 2 change his attitude 2wards the media we were not entirely convinced with Mourinho @ the time.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/993906/ajax-win-delights-real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho?cc=4716

Ajax win delights Mourinho
December 8, 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho praised his players 4 their professionalism as they rounded off their Champions League Group D campaign with a 3-0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam.

A brace fr Jose Callejon, either side of a Gonzalo Higuain goal, proved enough 4 Los Blancos 2 post the only 100% record in the group phase, with top spot already assured prior 2 the match.

With the clasico against Barcelona looming on Saturday, Real could hv therefore been forgiven 4 taking their eye off the ball slightly against Ajax, but Mourinho was delighted with the application of his team which featured a number of fringe players.

"I'm very happy with my players. They didn't kid around. They wanted 2 win & gave a serious performance,'' the Portuguese told the club's official website. "It isn't easy 4 footballers who don't play regularly 2 adapt 2 a game's pace.

"It is the 1st time Real Madrid hv won their 6 games in the group stage. We've only lost 1 clash in 18, & tat defeat happened under strange circumstances (@ Levante on September 18). We're top seeders & await the draw, aft which we'll be able 2 4get abt the Champions League 4 a couple of months.''

Callejon opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing well fr Kaka's assist. Higuain doubled their advantage 4 mins b4 half-time aft linking up well with Karim Benzema.

Ajax pushed 4ward in the 2nd half fighting 4 their Champions League lives & were caught on the break in the 2nd minute of injury time as Xabi Alonso fed Callejon, who provided the finish.

Mourinho was impressed by the performance of substitute Pedro Mendes & may give further opportunities 2 his youngsters in next Tuesday's Copa del Rey tie against Ponferradina.

The Portuguese sounded 1 note of caution, reminding his team tat they were beaten 5-0 by Barcelona @ the Nou Camp last November, 6 days aft beating Ajax 4-0 in Amsterdam.

However, Real look better balanced tis season & go in2 the match @ the Bernabeu on Saturday night 3 points clear of Barca with a game in hand.

"If memory serves me well, last season we lost 2 Barcelona aft facing Ajax,'' Mourinho recalled. "You never know in football; there r always surprises, but right now we feel more confident & tighter. We r a better team than last season.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/994340/real's-jose-mourinho-to-play-one-striker?cc=4716

Mourinho to play one striker
December 9, 2011

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will choose betw Gonzalo Higuain & Karim Benzema 4 a solo striking role against Barcelona on Saturday.

The 2 La Liga giants go head-2-head in El Clasico tis weekend, with Real, who boast a game in hand, seeking 2 maintain or extend their current 3-point advantage over champions Barcelona.

Both Higuain & Benzema hv been in excellent goalscoring form tis season, the former netting 12 league goals 2date & the latter 7, but Mourinho only intends 2 select 1 of the 4wards 4 the clash against Barca.

"Both of them will not play. It will be Cristiano & Di Maria & Benzema or Higuain," Mourinho said.

Higuain was on target in Real's 3-0 victory over Ajax in the Champions League during midweek, but the Argentina international is uncertain if he has done enough 2 start on Saturday.

"I don't know. It is not my decision. I m happy helping the team & now I m going 2 rest & then think abt the next game," Higuain said.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has attempted 2 play down the significance of El Clasico, despite suggestions a success 4 Real could prove decisive in where the title ends up come the end of the season.

"It is 1 more game & there is not much time until it starts," said Mourinho. "Tat is normal 4 us. 4 every1 else it is a different game, but 4 us life continues as normal."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/995258/la-liga:-barcelona-go-top-with-el-clasico-win?cc=4716

Barca go top with Clasico win
December 10, 2011

Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1 @ the Bernabeu, having gone behind 2 a shock Karim Benzema goal aft jz 23 secs, & leapfrog their rivals 2 go top of La Liga.

The game got off 2 a blistering start as Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes miskicked a clearance 2 Angel Di Maria & Mesut Ozil's shot rebounded 2 Benzema, who slotted home fr close range.

Madrid pressed hard & forced Barca in2 more errors, but could not get another goal &, aft letting Lionel Messi slide a thru ball 2 Alexis Sanchez, the Catalans were level. Sanchez broke away & shrugged off the attentions of Pepe b4 firing a low shot past Iker Casillas.

Aft half-time, Barca took control, but were fortunate 2 go ahead. A long shot fr Xavi rebounded off the heel of Marcelo & spun past Casillas, dropping in off the far post. As Madrid tired, the wind went out of their sails & Ronaldo spurned a glorious chance 2 level the scores; he headed wide fr 5 yards out aft a great cross fr Xabi Alonso.

Mins later Cesc Fabregas showed him how 2 do it as he got on the end of a Dani Alves cross 2 head the 3rd goal & send Barcelona fans in2 raptures.

2 injury-time goals fr Ruben Castro saw Real Betis spring a major surprise by beating 3rd-placed Valencia 2-1.

The visitors had gone ahead midway thru the 2nd half thanks 2 Jose Antonio Dorado's own goal &, despite exerting a lot of pressure, it appeared Betis would finish the game empty-handed.

However, Castro headed home 2 level b4 firing a winner 2 earn the Andalucians their 1st win in 11 & ease some of the pressure on coach Pepe Mel.

Levante extended their advantage in 4th place over Sevilla to 5 points with a scrappy 1-0 win @ the Ciudad de Valencia.

Nano bundled home the only goal 10 mins in2 the 2nd half aft a terrible mix-up betw Emir Spahic & Javi Varas left the defender with the easiest of finishes fr a yard.

Sevilla were the better side throughout the game but were guilty of not taking their chances, particularly when Jesus Navas & Spahic failed 2 hit the target when presented with clear sights of goal.

Substitute Freddie Kanoute should also hv guaranteed a point but headed straight @ Gustavo Munua with 13 mins remaining.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/995365/jose-mourinho-looks-ahead-after-real-madrid's-clasico-defeat?cc=4716

Mourinho looks ahead aft Clasico loss
December 11, 2011

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he & his players will not dwell on Saturday night's 3-1 defeat 2 Barcelona, a result tat has blown the title race wide open.

Mourinho has drawn criticism in the past 4 his post-Clasico comments, including accusations of Barca bias fr officials & claims tat opposite number Pep Guardiola is overrated as a manager.

But while he pointed 2 bad luck as a major factor in his side throwing away a 1-goal lead 2 lose both their unbeaten home record tis season & top spot in La Liga, there were no conspiracy theories fr the Portuguese boss, who said his team would not let the defeat get them down.

"The 1st half was balanced, but the goal in 2nd half was pure luck & nothing more, Mourinho said. "Aft tat, they had the psycological supremacy tat comes with being in front & they were able 2 pass the ball around & keep it as they love 2 do.

"But luck plays a part. At 1-0, we should hv gone 2-0 up, which under normal circumstances we would hv, becos CR normally puts the ball in.

"The dressing room is sad but relaxed. But if we beat Sevilla [Real's game in hand over Barca] we will be leaders @ Christmas."


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/995350/pep-guardiola:-la-liga-title-is-not-won-in-december?cc=4716

Guardiola: Title is not won in December
December 10, 2011

Pep Guardiola does not believe Barcelona's 3-1 victory @ Real Madrid is the decisive blow in the fight 4 the Primera Division title, insisting "there r no champions in December".

4 the 4th season in a row, Barca came away fr the Bernabeu with all 3 points aft goals fr Alexis Sanchez, Xavi & Cesc Fabregas saw them come fr behind 2 leapfrog Real in2 top spot in La Liga.

But with the Catalans now heading off 2 Japan 2 compete @ the Club World Cup, Jose Mourinho's side hv the opportunity 2 reclaim top spot b4 Christmas as they still boast a game in hand.

The victory @ the Bernabeu has certainly blown the title race wide open, though Guardiola is expecting plenty of twists & turns ahead b4 the champions r crowned in May.

"I m delighted with the performance,'' Guardiola said. "Madrid will recover. 2 win here, u hv 2 play a very good game & we hv done tat. But there is still much 2 do & Madrid will again be the leader if they beat Sevilla. There r no champions in December.''

Guardiola also voiced confidence in his goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who gave the ball away 4 the opening goal & looked shaky in the early going b4 making some crucial saves later on.

"Winning here is always worthwhile & challenging, & u can see tat in the performance of Valdes, who aft conceding early has not taken another hit,'' he said.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1002403/real-madrid's-jose-mourinho-clarifies-comments-on-england-return?cc=4716

Mourinho committed to Madrid
December 30, 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists the best is yet 2 come fr his in-form side - & he plans 2 be around 2 see the fruit of his labour despite recent comments abt a future back in England 1 day.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho talked abt a possible return 2 the Premier League in a "couple of years" during a BBC interview earlier tis week, but in clarifying those comments Mourinho was adamant tat he did not mean he was looking 2 leave Madrid any time soon.

"You don't translate 'a couple of years' literally - it's an English expression 2 mean a few years, not exactly 2. It could be 2, 3, 4, 20 - u nvr know," Mourinho, who signed an initial 4-year deal when becoming Madrid coach in 2010, said on the club's official website.

"Every1 knows tat I enjoyed being in England alot & every1 knows tat 1 day England will be a natural destination 4 me becos in my career, which I hope will be 20 years or more, 1 day I will hv 2 look 4 a destination.

"Now I'm not thinking abt tat becos I'm @ Real Madrid. I'm happy here & I 1 2 continue. It's impossible 2 say the number of years tat I'm going 2 stay, but wat matters is the intention.

"I'm very happy & enormously proud 2 be coach of Real Madrid & I don't see the moment when I'm going 2 leave, nor do I 1 2 leave."

Having won the Copa del Rey in Mourinho's 1st campaign in charge, Madrid r in the hunt 4 more silverware tis season & start the new year 3 points clear of Barcelona @ the top of the Primera Division. They also progressed thru 2 the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 100% record & r in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey as well.

Ominously 4 opponents, Mourinho believes the best of his Madrid is yet 2 be seen.

"The best years of tis generation r still 2 come, the best years of tis team r still 2 come," he said. "The work being done is being done not only thinking abt 2day but also of winning 2morrow. Tis project has many years ahead of it.

"The best is still 2 come & it wouldn't be very intelligent of me if I dedicated myself fr the 1st day, giving my heart 2 tis project, & then think abt leaving midway thru."

With his team looking good in all 3 competitions, Mourinho also said he is not looking 4 any additions during the January transfer window. Madrid hv spent huge amounts building their squad over the last few years but Mourinho is happy with the players currently @ his disposal.

"We aren't in the market," Mourinho said. "The market is an opportunity tat is open 4 those who need it, but fortunately we don't need it. The players r practically all fit 2 start the 2nd half of the season.

"4 us the market is closed. I don't 1 any player, I've not asked 4 any player, nor m I going 2 ask."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1008080/real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho-launches-cristiano-ronaldo-defence?cc=4716

Mourinho leaps to Ronaldo defence
January 14, 2012

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has laughed off recent criticism levelled @ CR 4 his lack of success fr free-kicks.

Despite Ronaldo's remarkable return of 112 goals in 115 games 4 Los Blancos he has found himself under pressure fr the club's fans of late, with the Real faithful jeering him in the past couple of games.

But when it was put 2 Mourinho tat his star player is whistled @ when he takes free-kicks becos of his poor conversion rate, the Portuguese boss appeared bemused.

"Have u got the statistics 4 the main strikers in other teams?" Mourinho said. "In 5 years they hv not done wat Cristiano has done in 1 year ... Spanish or non-Spanish? Internationals with titles? Do u 1 2 compare them?

"You r talking of the Golden Boot winner. The Golden Boot. And u give me statistics? My God ... There is only 1 boy who has scored more goals than he has & he plays in Afghanistan or Kazakhstan."

It is the 2nd time in a week tat Mourinho has come out fighting 4 Ronaldo, aft the Portuguese 4ward was ridiculed by the pro-Madrid media & fans alike 4 not celebrating a goal during a 5-1 win over Granada last weekend.

"I think it is more relevant tat he celebrates the goals tat win games & not the 5th goal in the 90th min," Mourinho said on Monday. "I saw him celebrate the other 4 tat were the important 1s.

"If there r going 2 be criticisms of a player 4 not celebrating goals, then why not criticise me becos I didn't celebrate any of the 5 goals. I didn't even get up."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1017562/la-liga:-real-madrid-sneak-past-getafe?cc=4716

Real Madrid sneak past Getafe
February 4, 2012

Leaders Real Madrid did just enough 2 earn a 6th consecutive Primera Liga win, as defender Sergio Ramos returned fr injury 2 secure a 1-0 victory @ city rivals Getafe.

Ramos celebrated his match-winining return @ the Coliseum Alfonso Perez aft 18 mins, muscling in 2 head home a Mesut Ozil corner fr 6 yards.

While Madrid failed 2 add 2 the veteran defender's goal they were rarely threatened & were not made 2 pay 4 the 2nd-half profligacy of Karim Benzema. Getafe, unbeaten in 6 league games b4 the match, offered little as an attacking force,

Lionel Messi scored 1 goal & set up another as Barcelona stayed 7 points behind Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad @ the Nou Camp - but Pep Guardiola's men were made 2 work hard 4 their triumph.

Messi's fine pass led 2 youngster Cristian Tello opening the scoring early on & the Argentina international doubled his side's lead in the 72nd minute with his 23rd league goal of the campaign.

However, Sociedad, who had caused Barcelona several problems @ the back during the match, pulled a goal back immediately thru substitute Carlos Vela 2 leave the home side facing a nervy finale.

Barcelona held on 4 the win though 2 ensure tat Madrid, who beat Getafe earlier in the evening, would not edge any further ahead in the title fight.

Juan Albin scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Espanyol rescued a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Athletic Bilbao @ San Mames.

Athletic had dominated the early stages & deservedly took the lead when Oscar de Marcos battled his way thru the Espanyol defence 2 fire under Kiko Casilla.

The lead lasted only 7 mins though as Ndri Romaric curled in fr outside the area b4 Espanyol went in front just aft half-time thanks 2 a wonder strike fr Vladimir Weiss.

Athletic's threat fr set-pieces turned the game around again as Fernando Llorente headed in Markel Susaeta's free-kick b4 Javi Marquez nodded home 7 mins later 2 put the hosts 3-2 ahead.

However, the drama did not end there as Albin latched onto Kalu Uche's thru-ball in the 93rd minute 2 power a ferocious shot past Gorka Iraizoz & maintain Espanyol's 2-point advantage over Athletic in the race 4 a Champions League place.

Levante's hopes of catching city rivals Valencia in 3rd place suffered another setback as they were held 2 a 1-1 draw @ home by struggling Racing Santander.

Arouna Kone put the hosts in front midway thru the 1st half with a close-range header, but they wasted further chances 2 extend their lead, & relegation-threatened Racing drew level thru Manuel Arana's leveller on the hour mark.

Chori Castro scored the only goal of the game as 9-man Real Mallorca held on 2 beat Real Betis 1-0.

Tomer Hemed & Michael Pereira were denied by Betis keeper Espinosa Casto early on b4 Castro curled in a wonderful free-kick on 23 mins. Victor Casadesus came within inches of extending the lead b4 referee Carlos Velasco Carballo took centre stage in the 2nd period by brandishing 3 red cards.

Mario was 1st 2 go 4 the visitors b4 Mallorca duo Ivan Ramis & Victor followed suit for 2 bookable offences, but even with the extra man 4 the final few minutes Betis rarely threatened 2 find an equaliser.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1018053/emilio-butragueno-expects-jose-mourinho-to-stay-at-real-madrid?cc=4716

Butragueno expects Jose 2 stay
February 5, 2012

Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno believes Jose Mourinho will stay @ the club beyond the end of the season.

Mourinho is reportedly planning 2 leave Madrid in the summer, with a source quoted in last week's Sunday Times as saying the Portuguese is "sick & tired" of the in-fighting & behind-the-scenes politics @ the Bernabeu.

However, Butragueno insists the club hv no knowledge of Mourinho's apparent desire 2 return 2 England.

"We r not aware of Mourinho having any doubts over his future," he told Canal Plus. "We r very happy with him & I believe he will stay @ the club. The rumours appear all the time, but they don't affect us."

Butragueno was speaking aft Madrid's 1-0 victory over Getafe, which ensured their 7-point lead @ the top of La Liga remains intact.

"We clearly deserved 2 win," Butragueno said. "It was a very important game - Barcelona dropped 2 points last week & we couldn't show any sign of weakness."



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1014641/real-madrid's-jose-mourinho-back-in-england-next-season---report?cc=4716

Jose 2 return to England next season?
January 29, 2012

Jose Mourinho is ready 2 quit Real Madrid in the summer & return 2 England, according 2 reports on Sunday.

Mourinho, whose Madrid side currently hold a 7-point advantage over arch-rivals Barcelona in La Liga tis season, has reportedly grown tired of the in-fighting & behind-the-scenes politics @ the Bernabeu, & is now looking 4 a return 2 the country where he made a real impression during 3 years as manager of Chelsea.

"Jose is sick & tired of tis situation @ Madrid," a source close 2 the manager told The Sunday Times. "It doesn't matter if he wins tis season or not. It's not abt the money.

"He's decided 2 come back 2 England & he will go in the summer."

Mourinho has long been tipped as SAF's eventual successor @ ManU, while he could also be of interest 2 ManC's ambitious owners.

Tottenham could also hv a vacancy if current boss Harry Redknapp is offered the England job - although it is not out of the question tat 'The Special 1' would be open 2 taking on an international role with the 3 Lions aft Fabio Capello steps down following Euro 2012.

Real Madrid beat Real Zaragoza 3-1 on Saturday evening, meaning the club hv now won 17 of their 20 league games so far this season.

[joew2005]

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/england-job-mourinho-084117843.html

‘Give the England job to Mourinho’

Who's the best man for the job?

That's the burning question on the lips of every long-suffering England fan following the sudden departure of Italian Fabio Capello aft 4 years in charge.

With the European Championships in Ukraine & Poland slightly over 4 months away, the search is never going 2 be easy. But already, several managers hv been touted as potential replacements, with 1 name ringing louder than the rest — Harry Redknapp.

Timing-wise, it seems perfect as the 64-year-old Spurs manager has just been cleared of tax evasion charges — thought 2 be the only thing clouding his candidacy — just hours b4 Capello cleared his desk. Heck, Redknapp's even got the stamp of approval fr Wayne Rooney, who went on Twitter 2 proclaim him the ideal candidate.

Bookmakers in Britain hv also slashed the odds on Redknapp being offered the job, with William Hill changing the odds fr 2/1 to 1/2. It's not hard 2 see why as other names in the frame include WBA manager Roy Hodgson (surely not) & Newcastle's Alan Pardew (definitely not).

But is ol' Harry really the man 4 the job? I don't think so.

Redknapp is without doubt a fine manager, with Spurs flying high in the Premier League. But with such gifted players like Gareth Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor & Rafael Van der Vaart playing the best football of their careers so far, can they NOT be soaring?

My point is any half decent manager will be able 2 achieve the same results — or more — with Spurs' glittering wealth of talent.

The Spurs manager may be widely lauded 4 his man-management skills but he certainly left those abilities behind when he embarrassed Darren Bent aft a match against Portsmouth in 2009.

Then, aft the hapless striker missed an easy header 2 score, Redknapp famously uttered the words "my missus could hv scored it".

2 be fair, Redknapp has since apologized 4 his gaffe but with Bent among the leading candidates set 2 shoulder England's goal-scoring hopes in the Euros (Rooney suspended 4 the 1st 2 games), the duo will make 4 an uneasy relationship. The other big question, of course, is would Harry 1 the job? He's guided Spurs in2 a serious title contender, & even he — though he's openly admitted interest in the England job b4 — may 1 2 see tis thru.

But if not Redknapp then who? The easy answer: look 2 Spain. More specifically, @ Madrid where a certain sulking Portuguese maestro is making his unhappiness known in no uncertain terms.

Jose Mourinho is the perfect man 2 take over the poisoned chalice tat is the England football manager's job 4 several reasons.

He has the right credentials & experience having won domestic & continental titles with almost every team he's managed. And his ability 2 bring out the best in his charges is unquestioned. More importantly, he will be able 2 massage Terry's ego @ losing the captaincy 4 the 2nd time fr their time 2gether @ Chelsea, while also making sure the Blues skipper is committed 2 the cause.

At a time when England's other options @ centre-half r either chronically injured (Rio Ferdinand), not getting regular games @ their clubs (Gary Cahill) or 2 inexperienced (Chris Smalling & Phil Jones), Terry's whole-hearted participation & dedication in Ukraine-Poland is critical.

The charismatic Mourinho's skilled handling of the British press will also be crucial. 1 of Capello's major failings as England manager was his inability 2 engage the unrelenting media hacks. In contrast, Mourinho seems 2 hv an unfinished love relationship with the journalists & will hv no problem getting their support & endorsement — yet another pre-requisite 4 any aspiring England manager.

Ideally, Mourinho can be England manager all the way thru till the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014 (provided England qualifies), b4 stepping down 2 take over fr SAF @ ManU (heh, tat's my wish anyway).

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would be a major stumbling block 2 Mourinho becoming available but with the FA having deep pockets 2 pay 4 any compensation, Perez being Perez can surely be bought.

So, it's time 2 act now, FA. Get Mourinho in the hotseat quickly b4 the real battles begin on the pitch in June.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031229/jose-mourinho-will-not-return-to-chelsea---michael-laudrup?cc=4716

Jose will not return to Blues - Laudrup
March 5, 2012

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will not be the answer 2 Chelsea's growing problems @ Stamford Bridge, according 2 4mer Madrid star Michael Laudrup.

Laudrup, who's brother Brian spent an injury-ravaged year @ Chelsea, is a former La Liga winner with Madrid, having joined the Spanish giants fr Barcelona. He has also managed Madrid's 3rd club Getafe & - more recently - Mallorca in Spain, building a strong network across the country.

The 47-year-old was as surprised as any1 2 see AVB axed by Chelsea less than a year into his self-titled 'project' in west London, but he is convinced tat Villas-Boas' exit will not make way 4 Mourinho.

The bookmakers currently hv Mourinho as the fav 2 take the reins in the summer, aft he completes wat appears 2 be a title-winning season @ Madrid.

The Portuguese won 2 Premier League crowns, 2 League Cups & 1 FA Cup during his 1st spell in charge of the Blues, but Laudrup insists it will be impossible 4 him 2 cut the likes of John Terry & Didier Drogba, the men on which he built his 1st Chelsea team.

"They r in a moment of transition & they will hv 2 change some of the older players," Laudrup told Sky Sports.

"And some of those older players were some of the key players when Mourinho was last @ Chelsea.

"So u hv yr key players, u leave, & then u come back & tell your ex-key players: 'I'm sorry, now u hv 2 leave. I hv 2 build a new team.'

"I don't believe tat [he can do tat]."



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/1029851/netherton:-why-mourinho-and-guardiola-should-change-sides?cc=4716

Pep and Jose should swap sides
March 4, 2012

Only the most 1-eyed wonder any longer whether tis generation of Barcelona r the greatest club team of all time, yet the title has all but been awarded 2 Real Madrid by complacent default.

At tis point, Guardiola's 1st serious failure 2 meet expectations, u might expect the knives 2 be out. Now, with Jose Mourinho delivering wat Real Madrid fans could only dream of last year, u might also expect endless jeroboams & prophylactics 2 be sent his way by his bosses. The reality though, is tat Barcelona 1 2 keep the prevaricating Guardiola while Mourinho faces internal struggles, perhaps ultimately forcing him out.

There's an easy solution 2 all tis wrangling. The 2 managers should simply swap seats: Guardiola styling it @ Real Madrid, & Mourinho poking eyes @ Barcelona. Both teams & both managers would benefit.

At Real Madrid, Mourinho is not lacking Euros. He may come up against the buffers in the quest 4 an extra striker, but he's not exactly short. Amongst others, he has been able 2 bring in Sami Khedira, Nuri Sahin, Ricardo Carvalho, Fabio Coentrao, Angel di Maria & Mesut Ozil. In the future, with Real's turnover, they will continue 2 spend extensively even under Financial Fair Play. Guardiola, on the other hand, has seen his transfer clout diminish despite his own increasing returns. In the summer of 2011, Barcelona took out a loan of over £100 million 2 pay wages, & were only able 2 buy Cesc Fabregas - a £50 million player by any1 else's judgement - becos of the cloying emotional facade 2 a business deal.

Mourinho wouldn't necessarily need the huge money available @ Real 2 re-establish Barcelona. The number of reports stressing Mourinho's team building abilities make any further demonstration unnecessary. Adding 2 Cech, Terry & Lampard with the signing of Drogba he created the most durable spine of the Premier League era. At Inter he did something similar with Cesar, Lucio, Sneijder & Eto'o. At Barcelona plenty of the replacements r already there in the reserves. The emotional ties players claim 2 hv 4 Barcelona would only help Mourinho create his desired team spirit. There is no reason 2 doubt he could create a new foundation 2 rejuvenate ambition in a team tat occasionally seems happy 2 go thru the, admittedly impressive, motions.

Perhaps a fantasy rather than a blueprint, but Catalonia's Jose would give the neutral the most enjoyable sights in history. He'd force the tiki-taka students 2 grind out soulless, relentless, 1-0 victory aft 1-0 victory. Messi, occasionally forgetting himself & assisting a Xavi goal, backheeling a thru ball aft a saucy 40-yard stepover slalom, would be chided with, 'Hey! we don't 1 2 win tis 4-0.' Iniesta would be reduced 2 10-minute cameos, replacing Barca's new penalty hero, Frank Lampard. A ridiculous idea, but there r signs tat their possession football is in need of something novel.

Barcelona's ennui is now their biggest weakness. Few great teams manage 2 dominate football 4 longer than 3 years, & Barcelona appear only slightly different. Tat difference is tat they remain the fav 4 the Champions League, though, no they can longer match their rival's consistency. Mourinho would change tat. At Chelsea, he created a team so relentless tat youth development took a hit in England. No longer could ManU & others afford 2 blood youngsters so indulgently, the margin of error had withered. His switching betw 4-4-2 & 4-3-3, resting in possession & ability 2 take 3 points instead of 1, displays his desire 4 the league as a priority. At Inter, he saw off a challenge fr the 1st true post-Calciopoli title race, the greatest enemy proving a journalist's chin rather than any other team. He could wrest back his own title.

Guardiola would change more fundamentally. Real hv long wanted 2 improve their youth production line, their Pavons never hit the heights of Barca's Pedros. With Mourinho tis is impossible, but Guardiola is steeped in the culture of La Masia. There would be nobody better 2 overhaul Madrid's youth system. If Real Madrid lack anything in their team, it is a true local hero. Josep 'Pep' Guardiola would finally solve Real Madrid's fans' inferiority complexes on more than tat front. Madrid r winning tis league playing football tat demanded their boos; barely attempting 2 play in the 1st 2 Clasicos of the season. Guardiola offers a commitment 2 a style of football tat most ppl adore, & he would give Ronaldo the chance 2 become a great team-mate as well as a great player.

Beyond the pitch, Guardiola offers another advantage. Real Madrid make a great play of their worldwide reach in order 2 maximise revenue. As good as Ronaldo is, Real hv something of the night abt them. Pepe is a thug in boots. The rest of his team r more excellently effective than skilfully glamorous. Guardiola, though, has lead Barcelona 2 be internationally feted. It makes business sense 4 Real Madrid's style & attitude 2 match the PR claims.

On the other hand, Mourinho could add steel 2 a fey Barcelona. They r attacked 4 their playacting thru the antics of Busquets & Alves, whereas Fabregas was alleged 2 hv done something far worse 2 Frederic Kanoute tis season. Mourinho would be able 2 draw the attention away fr the players' transgressions by accepting the negative press as part of his role. The fuss abt Barca's diving would be diverted 2 whatever Mourinho had decided 2 get up 2 on the sidelines, either lobbing sweets @ a manager, or making a pass @ the assistant referee. More practically, with Makelele & Materazzi, Mourinho's always been able 2 make the best of the less attractive parts of the game. So just imagine wat he could do with Busquets.

Both sides would benefit; football's most intense rivalry of the last 2 years would hv an incredible new angles. Weaknesses would be addressed & staid players would be challenged. It won't happen, but it definitely should.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1037675/jose-mourinho-happy-with-real-madrid-performance-despite-draw?cc=4716

Mourinho happy despite draw
March 19, 2012

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho had few complaints abt his team's performance despite being held 2 a 1-1 draw by Malaga @ the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Karim Benzema's opener was cancelled out by Santi Cazorla's stunning stoppage-time free-kick 2 halt Real's 11-match winning run in the Primera Division.

The result allowed Barcelona 2 close the gap @ the top to 8 points, but Mourinho appeared 2 take it all in his stride.

"Drawing or losing a match is normal in a championship," he said on the club's official website. "I would hv a reason 2 be dissatisfied or critical 2wards my men if they dropped 2 points due 2 having a bad attitude, but I cannot criticise them becos they gave their all & gave a great performance in the 2nd half.

"We always dominated the match & we had many chances, while Malaga hardly had any. It was hard 4 us 2 get in the game. Malaga r a quality side currently in the Champions League qualifying positions.

"They made things difficult 4 us in the 1st half, but not in the 2nd. We only scored 1 goal fr the many chances we had. Scoring 1 or failing 2 do so is normal 2. I don't think I hv reasons 2 be critical of my men - they didn't lack ambition.

"There r 11 games left & 33 points still @ stake, meaning the championship is still open. We only worry abt wat we do becos we'll win if we take enough points."

[joew2005]

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/real-madrids-mourinho-revealed-worlds-highest-paid-manager-001600200--spt.html

Real Madrid's Mourinho revealed as world's highest-paid manager - report

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been revealed as the highest-paid coach in world football, in a list compiled by France Football.

The 4mer Chelsea boss picks up €14.8 million per year while 2 of his predecessors @ Stamford Bridge r also included in the top 10.

Carlo Ancelotti is the 2nd-best paid coach @ PSG, trousering €13.5m every 12 months while Guus Hiddink is the 5th-highest on the list, paid €8.6m a year 2 spearhead the Anzhi Makhachkala revolution.

Barcelona's success has far exceeded tat @ the Bernabeu in recent years but Pep Guardiola is still not as well paid as Mourinho, sitting 3rd on the list with a salary of €9.5m.

4 English based coaches make the list. Arsene Wenger is the richest manager in the Premier League with, paid €9m a year despite Arsenal's 7-year trophy drought.

ManC boss Roberto Mancini is currently trying 2 catch neighbouring rivals ManU, & is falling behind SAF in pay stakes. The Italian pocketing €5.9m each year compared 2 the 70-year-old's €8m.

Recently departed England boss Fabio Capello was handed €8.5m during his spell in charge of the 3 Lions.

2 other international managers make the top 10, Russia boss Dick Advocaat is rewarded with €7m 4 his efforts while 4mer Real Madrid coach Jose Antonio Camacho receives €6.1m per year as manager of the newly rich Chinese national team.

Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid) - €14.8m
Carlo Ancelotti (PSG) - €13.5m
Pep Guardiola (Barcelona) - €9.5m
Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) - €9m
Guus Hiddink (Anzhi) - €8.6m
Fabio Capello (Ex-England) - €8.5m
SAF (Man Utd) - €8m
Dick Advocaat (Russia) - €7m
Jose Camacho (China) - €6.1m
Roberto Mancini (Man City) - €5.9m

[mazdamx5]

I won't be surprised he is the most well paid Manager around... that said, I will be wondering if he is going to stay in Real Madrid. :confused:

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1038695/la-liga:-real-madrid-held-by-villarreal,-valencia-lose-to-zaragoza?cc=4716

Real Madrid held by Villarreal
March 21, 2012

9-man Real Madrid suffered another Primera Division title wobble @ El Madrigal as Marcos Senna struck an 83rd-min equaliser 2 grab a 1-1 draw 4 struggling Villarreal.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring on 62 mins 4 Jose Mourinho's men, who had seen their 11-match winning run in La Liga ended by a home draw with Malaga on Sunday.

Aft Senna's leveller, the visitors imploded with Mourinho sent fr the dugout & Sergio Ramos & Mesut Ozil both red carded as Madrid were forced 2 settle 4 limping 6 points clear of 2nd-placed Barcelona.

Mourinho was dismissed 4 his reaction 2 the equaliser, Ramos 4 a 2nd yellow card & Ozil 4 apparent dissent, all in the space of 3 mins.

Apono scored twice as 9-man Real Zaragoza came fr a goal down 2 stun Valencia 2-1 @ the Mestalla & claim a huge 3 points in their survival bid.

Zaragoza, the Primera Division basement boys, looked destined 4 a 17th loss of the season when a goal & a man down aft only 21 mins, but frustrated their hosts & snatched victory thanks 2 Apono's accurate finish 13 mins fr time.

Pablo put the 3rd-placed hosts in front aft only 9 mins & they looked in 4 a comfortable evening when Pablo Alvarez was sent off in the 21st minute, but Apono levelled fr the spot 9 mins later &, with Valencia unable 2 make the most of their chances, put the visitors ahead deep in2 the 2nd half.

Zaragoza lost Franco Zuculini 2 a 2nd yellow card in the 88th min, but held on 4 a much-needed win.

A 2nd-half double fr Radamel Falcao secured a vital 3 points 4 Atletico Madrid in the race 4 next season's European places as they beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1.

Aft an uneventful 1st 45 mins, the hosts took the lead 4 mins in2 the 2nd half as Adrian Lopez freed himself just inside the area & aft his initial shot was well saved by Gorka Iraizoz, Falcao was on hand 2 bundle home the rebound.

The Colombian doubled Atletico's advantage with a fine diving header 20 mins fr time b4 Javi Martinez pulled a consolation goal back in stoppage time.

Levante came fr behind 2 beat 10-man Real Sociedad 3-1 & keep their surprise challenge 4 European qualification on track.

Jose Barkero's 12th-minute penalty cancelled out an early strike fr Carlos Vela b4 Arouna Kone put Levante ahead. Sociedad were reduced to 10 men aft 57 mins when defender Gorka Elustondo was sent off 4 a 2nd bookable offence.

Levante wrapped up the victory with an injury-time strike fr replacement Xavi Torres 2 move within 3 points of Valencia in 3rd place.

Real Mallorca took another big step 2wards Primera Division survival & left opponents Sporting Gijon further in the relegation mire aft edging a hard-fought match 3-2 @ El Molinon.

Mallorca twice took the lead thru Jose Carlos Nunes & an own goal fr Pedro Orfila, but were pegged back both times thru goals fr Adrian Colunga & Alberto Botia. However, Sporting could not find a third equaliser 2 cancel out Alvaro Gimenez's 77th-minute strike as Mallorca took the spoils.

The victory lifted the Balearic Island side 12 points abv the bottom 3 & now within sight of safety, but Sporting remain stuck in the bottom 2 following their 16th defeat of the season.

[joew2005]

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/real-madrid-building-1-billion-resort-island-united-170935374.html

Real Madrid building $1 billion resort island in the UAE

Hv u ever dreamed of a place where the warm sun dries Iker Casillas' tears b4 they reach his cheek, the Persian Gulf breeze blows thru Xabi Alonso's beard & Pepe stomps some1 2 death on the beach? Then welcome 2 Real Madrid Resort Island -- a $1 billion resort on an artificial island in the UAE scheduled to open in January 2015.

A presentation @ the Bernabeu on Thursday showed plans 4 sports facilities, a marina, luxury hotels & villas, an amusement park, a club museum & a 10,000-seat stadium with 1 side open 2 the sea.

"It is a decisive & strategic step tat will strengthen our institution in the Middle East & Asia," said Real president Florentino Perez.

The 4.6 million-square-foot venture is in partnership with the government of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah & is expected 2 attract a million visitors in its 1st year of operation. But since tat's a whole 3 years away, Jose Mourinho probably won't be 1 of them.

Hopefully Barcelona will build its own island right next 2 Real Madrid's, but make it so everything is miniature & inhabited by Ewoks.

[joew2005]

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/levante-move-fourth-beating-atletico-120843376--soccer.html

Title race heats up after Real held by Valencia

MADRID (Reuters) - Valencia blew the title race wide open when they held Real Madrid 2 a 0-0 draw on Sunday tat trimmed the leaders' advantage over chasing Barcelona to 4 points with 7 La Liga games left.

Goalkeeper Vicente Guaita was the hero 4 the visitors in a tense encounter @ the Bernabeu as he produced a string of superb saves 2 frustrate Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria & Karim Benzema.

Real, who play Barca @ the Nou Camp later tis month, hv 79 points fr 31 matches, with Barca on 75 aft Saturday's 4-1 win at Real Zaragoza & Valencia in 3rd on 49.

Champions Barca, chasing a 4th straight title, can cut the gap to 1 point with a win @ home 2 Getafe on Tuesday, with Real not playing @ Atletico Madrid until Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho's Real side had a 10-point lead over their arch rivals 3 weeks ago but slipped 2 consecutive draws against Malaga & Villarreal & were held again on Sunday by a spirited and well-organised Valencia side.

Ronaldo struck a fierce drive against the post in the 8th minute & was again denied by an upright with a deflected effort 11 mins into the 2nd half.

Valencia had chances 2 & a 25th-minute Ricardo Costa header & a powerful Tino Costa shot fr long range in the 55th also struck the frame of the goal b4 Iker Casillas brilliantly denied Jordi Alba with just over 5 mins left.

Real poured players forward in the final minutes but could not find a way past an inspired Guaita & now need 2 regroup 4 the potentially tricky clash @ Atletico.

It was their 1st goalless draw @ the Bernabeu in more than 5 years.

"We still hv the advantage & we hv 2 keep going," Real midfielder Xabi Alonso said in a television interview.

"Every point is fundamental now & we r focused on our next game," he added.