Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has used his Friday Press conference to take aim at old enemy Rafael Benitez.
The duo have a long standing rivalry from their time working in England and Benitez – currently in interim charge of Mourinho’s old club Chelsea – appeared to suggest this morning that he could be in line to succeed the Portuguese in Madrid next summer.
“I do not know where he will go,” Mourinho shrugged. “But as a fan of Chelsea, I hope that during the game against Corinthians he was not thinking of Madrid.”
The Blues lost the Club World Cup Final to Corinthians last Sunday.
The ‘Special One’ was then pressed on his side’s recent failings and what can be done to reduce Barcelona’s 13 point lead at the top of La Liga.
“I have more experience of victories than defeat. I’ve had 400 games and only lost 10 per cent of them, so I have to adapt to this situation.
“What happens is the fault of those who won the League. Everyone is guilty. Everyone must find motivation so that we can improve. I unashamedly say that we are unhappy with the numbers of recent months. We have to improve in everything.
“It helps to think that we’re so far away, as we can play every game with the intention of winning and improving. And we don’t choose between competitions.”
The 49-year-old then turned to opponents Malaga, who were severely punished for financial mismanagement by UEFA earlier today.
“They’re having a very good season, they achieved their goal in the Champions League and are playing well. They have many variants, [Roque] Santa Cruz, [Javier] Saviola. I am unable to comment on UEFA’s decision, but if they qualify for Europe again I hope it can be solved. If you win it on the field, it would be sad for it to be taken away for non-sporting issues.”
Mourinho closed by discussing the January transfer window, sending out a curious warning to the Press and expressing support for Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova in his own inimitable manner.
“I don’t think we’ll do anything in January. And I don’t think Kaka will leave either. If he stays it’s good for the team.
“Things are upside down. We do not analyse your work, but you ours. If you do it honestly, you will spend Christmas alone. Otherwise your holidays will be less quiet.
“What I do in private, I do not say publicly. If I have talked to him [Vilanova] or sent him a message, it’s personal. When a fellow has a health problem, we are all on the same side. For Tito and his family, we are with them.”
