Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho talks Real Madrid return, Carlo Ancelotti, Florentino Perez
In a candid conversation with, Real Madrid icon Jose Mourinho talked all things Los Blancos, in quotes relayed via Mundo Deportivo.
The Portuguese, who is currently in charge of Roma, spoke about his stint at Real Madrid and what the future holds for the Royal Whites.
Mourinho was abundant in his praise for current Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, and said that he does not even think about replacing him because the Italian is a terrific coach.
“As a Real Madrid fan with a white heart and as a ‘Cancelottian’, I hope that the season goes well and that Carlo is still there next season, because I think he is the perfect coach for Madrid,” said Mourinho.
He also heaved praise on president Florentino Perez: “Knowing Don Florentino, and I know him very well, he is a very intelligent man and has very clear ideas,” alluding to his plans for the club going forward.
I was crazy to leave Madrid, Mou jokes
With his distinctive charm, Mourinho dismissed speculation of a return to Madrid, saying: “When you have a super coach, why should you think about another?”
When asked about Ancelotti’s potential move into international coaching with the Brazil national team, he reminisced on his own departure from Madrid.
“In my opinion, only a crazy person would leave Real Madrid when Real Madrid wants him. And that crazy person is me, the only one who, after three years with the president that I loved so much, decided to leave,” he said.
Mourinho also seemed confident that Perez knew how vital Ancelotti is, and is transmitting the confidence to the Italian, and concluded by saying they are a match made in heaven.
“I am sure that at the first sign he sees from Florentino, Carlo will stay in Madrid because he is perfect for Real and Real is perfect for him.”
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
