Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has played down rumours linking him with the Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain jobs.
The morning has been dominated by speculation surrounding the Portuguese tactician’s future, with Marca suggesting he will leave Madrid at the end of the season due to a fall-out with President Florentino Perez , and Sir Alex Ferguson’s praise leading to talk that he could be headed for Old Trafford.
Mourinho discussed these matters and more at a Press conference a short while ago previewing tomorrow’s Champions League game against Ajax.
“Ask the President if he is happy with me,” the 49-year-old began. “I do not have to tell you what we speak about with each other. My relationship with him is good, and I will not be feeding this situation. My future is that tomorrow is my 101st game in the Champions League.
“Ferguson? We are friends, we speak well of each other. His succession is far away, it could be ten years away. He is getting better and stronger.
“An assistant of mine will watch PSG’s game against Porto, because they are two potential adversaries. That’s all I’ve ever thought about that team.”
Finally turning to the game Mourinho revealed that reserve ‘keeper Antonio Adan and young fullback Nacho will start, with Iker Casillas rested and both Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso left out to avoid picking up suspensions.
“Every game has the same meaning for me. We have to play with the same ambition and ability, and with the goal of winning. Sometimes the opponent plays well and we do not, as was the case against [Real] Betis. We need consistency.”
The former Chelsea boss was also asked about Atletico Madrid assistant German ‘Mono’ Burgos, who reportedly told Mourinho “I’m not Tito [Vilanova], I’ll rip your head off” during a touchline confrontation on Saturday.
“Who is Mono Burgos? My relationship with Atleti, despite them being our city rivals, is very good. Diego Simeone is always very polite with me and I with him.”
Ironically Mourinho used a similar tactic after having a touchline run-in with Vilanova two seasons ago – when the now Barcelona boss was still Pep Guardiola’s no. 2 – claiming that he did not know who he was.
