Mourinho denies rift with Valdano
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Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has denied a reported breakdown in his relationship with club director Jorge Valdano and said he intends to see out the four years of his contract with the La Liga giant.
Mourinho complained at the weekend that the club was not doing enough to support his criticism of referees and Spanish media claimed he and Valdano were at loggerheads over the issue. "I can deny that the personal relationship is bad," the Portuguese said after Real's 8-0 Copa del Rey thumping of Levante on Wednesday when asked about Valdano. "I have no personal problems with anyone," he added. "That's the most important thing."
Valdano had said earlier that the media reaction to Mourinho's comments about referees had been exaggerated and it was "a small thing".
"We all have a certain type of personality and you have to accept that," the Argentine added.
"We have a great team with a great future and a very, very competent coach and that should be enough to keep all the Madrid family happy."
Mourinho, who joined Real from Inter Milan at the end of last season, said it was normal for professionals working together in a high-pressure environment to have "differences of opinion" and he welcomed criticism.
"I have never been a 'yes man'," he said. "I like criticism, whether I make it or someone else. But I repeat. Personal problems? Zero.
"That for me is fundamental because the day I have personal problems I'll be out shortly after."
The former Chelsea manager said he had left the Premier League club because of the arrival of two people, who were brought in during his fourth season at Stamford Bridge. "Two people arrived at the club with whom I had no personal relationship and a few months later, I was out. My intention at Real Madrid is to see out the four years of my contract."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scored hat-tricks for Real. Ronaldo has now scored 25 goals in 24 matches in all competitions for Madrid this season.
Mesut Oezil and Pedro Leon also scored, shrugging off the indifferent form in the 1-0 league win against Sevilla at the weekend.
Simao Sabrosa's first-half penalty gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Espanyol with both teams having a player sent off.
Koffi Romaric scored twice in Sevilla's 5-3 win over Malaga, Jose Ulloa scored a hat-trick to give Almeria a 4-3 win over Mallorca, and Getafe beat second-division team Real Betis 2-1.
