Two-match ban for Mourinho

Alfredo Florez, single judge of the Spanish Football Competition Committee, gave yesterday his verdict on events that occurred in the second leg of the SuperCup of Spain. The Mourinho's finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova has caused a two-match ban and a 600 euros fine for the coach of Real Madrid. Competition Committee has considered it a mild action so Mourinho will miss mathces on the next round of the Spanish SuperCup, never in the Spanish League nor King's Cup (Spanish Cup).

Mourinho's finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova

In the case of Tito Vilanova, the penalty is only one game and is fined 600 euros. Like the Portuguese, only to apply in the Spanish SuperCup. Now both clubs have the option to appeal to the Appeals Committee, but Real Madrid and Barcelona have accepted the sanction.

Do not forget that it all started when, on August 22, the single judge of Competition decided to open a extraordinary file in which Mourinho's attitude was considered serious and the acts of the Barcelona's coach assistant as mild reaction. The opening of this file was something unprecedented. For years it did not happen because the Competition Committee only evaluates facts in the file of arbitration.

Then, the dossier went to the hands of the judge, Rafael Alonso. This occurred in late August so the decision would not take place until early October because of all the bureaucratic process. It was then when the time came all key, the appeals process. Barcelona did not submit, but Real Madrid did.

The line of argument of Real Madrid, among many things, was that if was considered the Mourinho's acts as serious actions, should be the same with the aggression of David Villa to Özil. Also, Real Madrid understood that there was provocation of Barca coach and felt that there was no harmful element. That is, Tito Vilanova never had to receive medical care by the action of Mourinho.

The judge Alonso analyzed all the elements and appreciated a penalty to Mourinho of two to three games, but reduced the rating of serious, as was initially, to mild. Only this change meant that Mourinho no longer would have to serve the penalty in the League or Cup, it would always be in the same competition, the Super Cup of Spain.

Then it was reported back to the clubs so they could file new claims, a period which expired on Tuesday. After the period, Rafael Alonso issued his final proposal to the single judge of the Competition Committee, Alfredo Florez, who made ​​it official yesterday.

Mourinho: "We must return to normality by winning"

Jose Mourinho at press conference after draw against Racing

Jose Mourinho addressed the media in a press conference after the 0-0 draw with Racing. He was serious and somewhat discouraged but declined to evaluate in-depth the poor play made ​​by Real Madrid.

"We had complete control over the game, especially in the first half. We played in our opponent's half of the pitch after half-time and we didn't have that many chances on goal. This is due to Racing, who defended fiercely and played their game well looking to take one point".

"As a team we didn't do our best and some of our players performed under par, but we tried to win and ended the game the way we played it: with two defenders, with someone playing in the middle and with two forwards. Kaka was a free agent and Xabi Alonso worked very hard in midfield. We had complete control over the last 30 minutes of the match".

"We didn't have the necessary dynamics. They were always broken by the passiveness of those who can't affort the pace of the game to be altered. The pace was broken by simulation, by injuries, by the stretcher coming onto the pitch... We're responsible for this because we failed to put a stop to it".

"Our concentration was better tonight than it was on Sunday and I have a different overall feeling about the game. We dropped four points away from home last season in our first few games. Our main reference in terms of fighting for the title are Barcelona and if they win tonight they'll only have a 3-point cushion over us, not a 30-point lead".

"It's less worrysome to draw a match in which you're the only side that tries to play and win. We've dropped five points in two away games and that is worrysome. We will try to win and score goals on Saturday. We've scored one goal in our last three games and we must return to normality by scoring and winning on Saturday".

Ferguson: "As a youth I was just like Mourinho"

Sir Alex Ferguson has been Manchester United's manager for over two decades and has earned the respect of the entire world of football. Sir Alex received an award in Roma acknowledging his ethics in sport and mentioned Jose Mourinho in the speech he gave in the auditorium of Tor Vegata University.

Alex Fergison with Jose Mourinho 

"I had Mourinho's enthusiasm when I was younger. Jose is a great friend. He does not hide his emotions. That is a quality I like in human beings. He can also laugh at himself. We used to drink a glass of wine after a game and talked about a million different things".

"I do not find anything wrong with his enthusiasm. When I was younger I showed more enthusiasm on the bench too. I was always gesticulating and directing. It's Mourinho's nature to be agitated. When I saw Mourinho run up and down the touchline at Old Trafford when he coached Porto, I said to myself, 'Did I also used to do that?' People recognise his enthusiasm. The fans understand that he is fighting for them and for the squad".

Carvalho clashed with Mourinho in 2005

Many people were surprised by the Carvalho's runaway of the training camp of Portugal to learn that he was not going to be a starter in the game against Cyprus. "Never before I have felt so neglected and hurt in my dignity. If they make me feel that I am out and did not talk to me, the only option is to leave", said the Real Madrid player. However, it is not the first time that Carvalho has a bad reaction when is moved of the starting line-up.

It cocurred in August 2005, in Chelsea, with Mourinho as coach. The central defender was regular starter with the blues at that time, but saw as the coach began to bet on Gallas and expressed his displeasure in the British press. Carvalho was the third option for the central defender position and said: "I ​​do not know why I am an alternate. He (Mourinho) told me about this, but I do not understand why. It is totally incomprehensible".

Mourinho, very annoying by receive messages through the newspapers, replied him sharply: "Carvalho seems to have trouble understanding what is said to him, so it is possible he should undergo a test of intelligence. I worked with him for the last four years and not understand his words. He probably needs to see a doctor. This summer I said that we have an extraordinary template and if you are on the bench it is time to be patient, everyone would have their chance. What is difficult to understand? I hope he will be quiet because I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour".

The Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon and his peers were very angry. Terry said: "You cannot think you are sick of the coach for a day you do not feel involved". Despite this defense of his coach, Terry tried to remove the fine that the club imposed to Carvalho, 97,000 euros, which was not possible.

Mourinho and Carvalho

Jose Mourinho: "There are not untouchable players"

On the eve of the premiere of a new Spanish League season in which is shaping up another challenge against Barcelona, Jose Mourinho spoke to the newspaper 'El Mundo' for open-heart talk. He looks everything from the conviction of someone who exposes his truth.

Jose Mourinho

He believes that there are more lies than truths about himself: "But it's part of the game, of life. Unlike other leagues in which I trained, I think this is like a smear campaign. It is an unequal struggle with all the stones thrown against me, I could make a monument".

Mourinho, however, feels strong: "I am happy here, very excited. I have a feeling of being in the right place. I do not change it for anything. I can be wrong, but always say what I think, what I feel, without fear of consequences. I should have lived 100 years ago".

One of the most controversial chapters he has lived since he came to Madrid, was his relationship with Valdano: "With his departure has changed the structure, we work differently. Changes are being made I believe can be beneficial for Real Madrid".

The substitution of Casillas in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy has given rise to many comments: "Iker is ahead, but I do not want untouchables. We should not be mistaken, most important thing here is Real Madrid. The goal is not a fertilizer you buy. Neither the goal nor the side midfielders nor front".

He considers that the team has improved: "The team does not work as a year ago. The team should be able to add to its game things that it had not early last year. And it is doing".

Mourinho also referred to the 'false' Real Madrid fans, of those he spoke in his letter after the incident with Tito Vilanova: "There are fans that show themselves as the best Real Madrid fans and are the first to turn away. For the enemies, I launch a bid: Match that referees give to me, match repeated". And, of course, a reference to Barcelona: "It's a team that plays the same competitions. One thing that no changes is that Barcelona wins when plays well and win playing badly. I do not believe this will change".

Nuri Sahin: Out for three or four weeks

The new injury of Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin, grade II sprain of lateral ligament in his left knee in the distal third, can leave him off the pitch three to four weeks more. The misfortune accompanies Sahin in his first steps as Real Madrid player. In July, after the North American leg of the summer preseason, suffered a concussion in training that left him with a knee sprain grade I. Now when he was on the verge of his debut with Real Madrid, has re-injured.

Sahin, who has not played a game since April 15 when he went down injured with Borussia Dortmund against Freiburg in his right knee, continues his ordeal. He trained with his new teammates two days in the sports City of Valdebebas in the previous days of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy where was planned by Jose Mourinho his debut in the final minutes, but again has suffered a sprain in the same area of his left knee.

Mourinho (resigned) confirmed it at news conference: "The Sahin's injury is not a relapse. This injury is different", he unveiled. "Sahin is not to play, so I will not be much more specific. I leave it to the medical department. I did not expect him to play in Zaragoza, so for me is not important", he said.

The month off that Sahin must take up anew, is a setback for Mourinho, that could not call Sami Khedira by muscle problems for the Zaragoza match and has ruled Esteban Granero by technical decision. So Fabio Coentrao holds the midfield starter position alongside Xabi Alonso and now the coach do not see as a problem that the club do not sell Lass Diarra.

Nuri Sahin  at the Bernabeu Stadium

Jose Mourinho's Letter

Jose Mourinho wanted to step out of the information that emerged in recent hours about his possible departure from Real Madrid and, through an open letter published on the website of the white club, has wanted to deny categorically that is not well within the white team: There is no way I'm leaving. No way!

Mourinho's picture at Real Madrid website

The text appearing in the website is as follows:

"Only those who don't know me can dream, make up or believe I may leave Real Madrid at this stage...

I believe many people were surprised by the quality football showcased by Real Madrid during the preseason and it would be surprising news to them if I left the club now. Impossible!

I have a fantastic President who is very intelligent and with whom I have a great friendship. I also have a Director General who works for the club 24 hours a day, so my motivation is enormous and my Madridismo is even greater than that of some pseudo-Madridistas... There is no way I'm leaving. No way!

I also wish to apologise to Madridistas, and only to them, for my attitude in our last game. Some people are better adapted to the hypocrisy in football than I am, and they hide their faces and speak in whispers deep inside tunnels.

I'm not learning to be a hypocrite, and I don't want to.

Best wishes to all. We'll see each other tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Jose Mourinho"

Mourinho is very sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Jose Mourinho is not happy with Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid coach knows he made a huge mistake last Wednesday at the Nou Camp putting his finger in the eye of TitoVilanova, assistant coach of FC Barcelona. Is sorry for his behavior and so he has told his circle of trusted people, both his ​​family and close friends.

Mourinho knows that nothing justifies such action. For many provocations he received or how hot they were the last minutes of the game, there is no reason to attack a person. Also knows that the mistake was higher because he was the person who should set an example to his players in those difficult moments and also represented Real Madrid.

The next day, naturally calmer and with hindsight, Mourinho realized that he had exceeded and that he should control his nerves at the time of high tension that was lived in the Camp Nou field. He also knows he was wrong in the press conference with his contempt, when he called Tito Vilanova, 'Pito' (Translation: Whistle or... cock)

Mourinho knows what represents as coach of Real Madrid and that the action is not appropiate to the position he has. It was too late to rectify, but if a similar situation occurs again, he would act very differently. He is very clear.

Mourinho is sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Mourinho: "We feel like we played two very good games"

Mourinho at the press conference after the match

Jose Mourinho spoke to the press to analyse the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona at Camp Nou. The end result was bad but wanted to highlight the good game made by the team in two matches of this competition.

"Real Madrid gave a spectacular performance from the first to the last minute. I just say what I think. We came here to play. What I'm about to say is not a criticism, I'm just stating a fact: there were no ball-boys in the second half, which is something typical of small teams when experiencing difficulties. What happened simply happened, but I'm nevertheless happy with my team".

"We feel like we played two very good games in their entirety. This team is better than it was last year. The longer you work with people, the better the conditions are to have a better year. We played nine games this preseason and proved to be better than we were last year in the last two. I'm happy with the progress my men have made".

"The referee must punish what he deems punishable. Pepe and Marcelo played a great game, one for the entire 90 minutes and the other for 45. Pepe saw a booking for a minor tackle and Marcelo gave a great performance. I'm not going to say we're happy because we didn't win the Spanish Super Cup; that would be hypocritical of me. We intend to play like men and not fall on the ground at the slightest touch".

Mourinho declined to say nothing of his attitude toward Tito Vilanova, Barcelona assistant coach. Mourinho stuck a finger in the eye of Vilanova and the image has not liked in the Real Madrid: "He is the first to know that this image is not good for him or for the club". According to the club, what happened is explained, without wanting to justify what Mourinho did, because: "What it should not be allowed is that Tito Vilanova spends all the match with challenging gestures and insulting us".

Squad: Jose Mourinho (Coach)

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho (Setubal, Portugal, 26-1-1963) joined Real Madrid one week after winning the Champions League title with Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Nerazzurri hadn't won the title in 45 years, but under the Portuguese coach Inter also won the Italian Scudetto and the Cup of Italy during the 2009/10 season; the first-ever treble in club history. Mourinho also won the Scudetto in his first season at Inter, as well as the Italian Super Cup.

Earlier in his career, Mourinho won six titles in three years at Chelsea. During his first year at Stamford Bridge, he won the Premier League and the Carling Cup. Chelsea won the Premiership again the following year after a tight race with Manchester United throughout the season, which the Blues opened by winning the Community Shield. Mourinho led Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup during the 2006/07 campaign.

Before leaving for England, Mourinho won the second Champions League title for Porto in 2004 as well as the Portuguese league title (the first for Porto in four years). With the Portuguese side he also won one UEFA Cup, one Cup of Portugal and one Portuguese Super Cup.

Data

• Place of Birth: Setubal, Portugal


• Date of Birth: 26 January 1963


• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Champions League: 2004 (Porto), 2010 (Inter)


• UEFA Cup: 2003 (Porto)

• Scudettos: 2008/09, 2009/2010 (Inter)


• Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06 (Chelsea)


• Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04 (Porto)

• Italian Cup: 2009/10 (Inter)


• F.A. Cup: 2006/07 (Chelsea)


• Carling Cup: 2004/05, 2006/07 (Chelsea)


• Cup of Portugal: 2002/03 (Porto)


• Spanish Cup: 2010/11 (Real Madrid)

• Italian Super Cup: 2008 (Inter)


• Community Shield: 2005 (Chelsea)


• Portuguese Super Cup: 2003 (Porto)

Personal accolades:

• FIFA World Coach of the Year: 2010


• IFFHS Best Coach award: 2004, 2005, 2010


• UEFA Best Coach: 2002/03, 2003/04


• League Managers Association (LMA) Hall of Fame: Inducted 2010


• Best coach of the Italian League: 2009


• Best Coach of the Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06


• Best Coach of the Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04

Mourinho: UEFA forgives him a match suspension

The Appeals Committee of UEFA has reduced the fine imposed on Mourinho. In the initial penalty, the coach of Real Madrid could not manage the team for four games, with a fifth conditional on Mourinho's behavior during a trial period of three years.

Mourinho and Dupont at Nyon

After hearing the arguments of the Portuguese and the lawyers of the Real Madrid over six hours, UEFA has decided to reduce the penalty from four to three games. As Mourinho has already met one (it was in the semifinal round of the Champions League 2010-2011) in case of good behavior he would be suspended only two. Of course, retains the imposed fine of 50,000 euros to Mourinho and the 20,000 to the white team.

The Control and Disciplinary Committee imposed the penalty on the Real coach for his controversial remarks at the press conference after the first leg semifinal of the Champions League against FC Barcelona on April 27. In that match, Mourinho was sent off for protesting the Pepe's red card and at the press conference complained of arbitration mistakes in favor of FC Barcelona and said he would feel shame winning the Champions League as they won in 2009: "The scandal of Stamford Bridge".

These words were rated as "very serious" by the Control and Disciplinary Committee of UEFA considering that Mourinho inveighed against "the fairness of the competition", so they decided to punish the Portuguese coach: Five games and 50,000 euros fine. As well UEFA punishes the club with 20,000 euros fine for "improper conduct of their fans during the game". Real Madrid announced the same day that UEFA announced the punishment, it would appeal to the Appeals Committee and UEFA summoned the Portuguese and the legal team of Real Madrid for yesterday.

The Portuguese reached the UEFA headquarters at 08:50 am, accompanied by the Belgian lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, the director of legal services of Real Madrid, Javier Lopez Farre, and a white club's lawyer, Alvaro Garcia Alaman, to support his defense. Mourinho's arguments and their lawyers were heard by the Appeals Committee chairman, Swiss Michel Wuilleret, two members of it, the French Patricia Moyersen and German Goetz Eilers, and the UEFA disciplinary inspector, the Swiss Jean-Samuel Leuba.

After six hours of declaration, white coach and his lawyers left the UEFA headquarters in Nyon without knowing the resolution of the Committee and without making any statement to the press. If Mourinho is not satisfied with the resolution, the white coach can still appeal to TAS (Tribunal Arbitral du Sport) within ten days.

Note: Mourinho is the sports manager of Real Madrid

Real Madrid presented officially its new sports organization in which Jose Mourinho, as well as first team coach, takes over as sports manager in the style of English football. Florentino Perez already told how the would be new Real Madrid's staff organization at the press conference of Jorge Valdano's farewell, until then General Director of Real Madrid.

In the official statement from Real Madrid, is refered a General Director (Jose Angel Sanchez), a department of the Chairman's Office, under the responsibility of Manuel Redondo, and the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager soccer sports: "The board of Real Madrid CF, gathered yesterday, approved the new organizational structure of the club, which includes as highlights, one General Directorate (Jose Angel Sanchez), a department of the Chairman's Office, under the responsibility of Manuel Redondo, and the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager of football sports", said the club's official statement.

Mourinho gives two weeks off to Higuain and Di Maria

The elimination of Argentina in the Copa America 2011, will bring two new reinforcements for Mourinho's Real Madrid after the U.S.A tour. Higuain and Di Maria. Mourinho does not take in account Gago (in the press conference after the match against LA Galaxy, he did not talk about the player and is injured for three weeks) and Garay was transferred to Benfica. Portuguese already gave vacation to these players on May 18 and they enjoyed 21 days before the Copa America. Higuain will stay at least a week in Buenos Aires, while Di Maria traveled to Rosario to stay with his family. In principle, both will have two weeks off and will be back on August 1.

The Portuguese coach took yesterday morning for a walk in Beverly Hills. He was shopping at the mall Roberts Plaza for an hour, accompanied solely by a bodyguard of club. Within an hour, leaving one of the stores, he found seven paparazzi, so he had to return to the hotel. All players of Real Madrid were left resting in his hotel, but four homegrown players were also shopping: Nacho, Joselu, Mejia and Jesus.

Peculiar image. Mourinho at Los Angeles

Mourinho: "We have a very good squad"

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho addressed the media after his side's 4-1 victory over LA Galaxy.

"I'm happy. It was a complicated match and we played with a lot of intensity. Winning isn't the most important thing. What matters is that the team gets into shape and I liked its attitude today. We have a very good squad and we used two different lineups today. We have still to use quality men like Di Maria, Higuain and Sahin. We work better each day and we're ready to compete".

"I don't like to talk about individual players. The team played well and gave a balanced performance in both halves of the match. This game was important for Coentrao because it helped in his adaptation. He gave a very good performance and proved his potential. Callejon did well and Varane played a serious game too. It's important for him to show he's fit and that he can row in the same direction as the rest".

"A great team cannot choose which championship it would rather win. We won the Copa del Rey last season, but we know the Champions League and La Liga are important and we will try to win them also. Small details make all the difference between winning and losing titles. Usually the more prepared you are the greater the possibilities. I hope those small details are on our side. We can only promise we will continue to work hard".

"I will try to make academy players play a role in the future of this team because they will be important and useful to us. I believe they could help us considerably".

"Zidane is one of us. He knows perfectly well what a work group is like and he has the capacity to help all of us. I feel comfortable with him and it is important to have him on our side now that we can have so many people on the bench".

Link

Mourinho plans to change the tactical system

Jose Mourinho has already been put to work in Los Angeles to change his tactical scheme and plans to play many games this season with a 4-3-3 system, hence he is obligated to work with his players, accustomed to 4-2-3-1, according to new movements on the field. The pressure exercises and movements between the lines are different from one system to another.

Mourinho: Preseason 2011-2012

The main task for the Portuguese coach is that the four new players who are in California under his command (Varane, Callejon, Sahin -now injured- and Coentrao) learn concepts that the rest of his teammates have learned since last season, because Mourinho used the 4-3-3 system in several games (against Atletico, Sevilla and Valencia for example).

This metamorphosis is largely due to the arrival of Nuri Sahin. The fact that Xabi Alonso and Khedira are untouchable players for Mourinho, forces to change the scheme and look for a position for the star signing of Real Madrid (for now). The double-pivot Xabi Sahin is weak on defense and keeping the couple of the last year, Real Marid's football would be predictable.

On the other hand, Mourinho is very aware of the new reinforcements even when coaching in California. Real Madrid still working these weeks to complete the template ahead of the season just started. The coach knows the possibility of the signing of Neymar in January and is attentive to the possible incorporation of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Jose Mourinho "I want fans to feel proud of their team"

Jose Mourinho will shortly start his second season at the helm of Real Madrid. The coach gave an exclusive interview to RealmadridTV and Realmadrid.com shortly after the team arrived in Los Angeles to start its preseason work.

Jose Mourinho

What were your holidays like?
Short, but fine. I had 15 relaxing and happy days.

You left for a holiday late, but you look satisfied with the period you stayed in Madrid working.
I enjoyed it because it went by very quickly and I didn’t have a crazy desire for the holidays to finally arrive. It was a great experience to work personally with the President and with Jose Angel Sanchez. I liked the President’s vision for the club and its future. I think the way he thinks about the evolution of his Real Madrid is phenomenal. Jose Angel is a little like me: we work during the day and end up texting each other or writing e-mails till 10 or 11 at night. He never side-tracks from his family life, but he’s thinking about work 24 hours a day. I liked him very much.

This season is important because it comes with the birth of a new structure at Real Madrid.
Every season is important in its own way. This structure is here to help the team, not to complicate things. We have to instill life and dynamism into this structure. We have to give people who are responsible of many departments time to create a functional empathy and a new working method. I’m very glad to see there is great empathy between the people at the club and that they share a common goal to serve the first team and the players, who are the most important thing at the club. This cooperation is the essence of our work.

Zinedine Zidane seems to be much more relevant in this new structure.
I like that he’s working with us and that he personally decided to change his life and be part of this project. He believes in this and thinks he can help. He has a lot to offer, but he has also much to learn. It is one thing to be the best player in the world for many years and another to be Football Director of the First Team at a club as important as Real Madrid. His intelligence, calm nature and the fact that he is completely open to communicate make him a welcome addition to this group, in which everyone is excited to work together.

Are you satisfied with this season’s signings?
It isn’t easy to sign for Real Madrid because we have a very good squad and we earned important results last season. We won a title and nothing else because we didn’t win any more. We decided to improve on, and to balance out, the squad without losing track of having to come up with a team for the future. Coentrao is 23 years old, one year younger than Callejon. Sahin is even younger and Varane is an 18 year old kid. We never want to side-track from building a team for years to come that has large room for improvement and progress. We signed men we thought were important to improve on a squad that was already very good.

Is it the squad you had in mind?
I’m happy with the squad, especially when you think we’re still missing Higuain and Di Maria, who are very important to us. I, like everyone else, believe we need another striker. It’s fantastic to have more than 90% of the team you want by mid-July because it allows you to work in a different manner. Higuain and Di Maria already know the team and won’t need three or four months to adapt. We’re happy because we’re building something to last for a long time. This squad has ten years ahead of it.

It’s important to mention how the squad has increased its value since the start of last season thanks to the performances of men like Ozil, Di Maria and Khedira.
People may talk about the amount of money spent by Real Madrid in this new era of Florentino Perez, but if they compare the investment made with the value of the squad in the market they will realize it’s been fantastic. How much are Di Maria and Ozil worth today? They didn’t even know what great pressure in football was when they arrived. Think of Cristiano also. If Real Madrid wanted to sell him tomorrow (which I obviously wouldn’t want) they would make a profit. This squad has fantastic global market value and I am very satisfied with it.

How will the work be this preseason?
We’re here to work, improve and face other teams. I don’t want to win a preseason match 15-0. I want them all to be difficult. Los Angeles Galaxy are a complicated opponent because they’ve already played 14 or 16 league games this season. The same goes for Chivas Guadalajara and Philadelphia Union. The English, German and Chinese football cultures are different and will also be difficult, but we intend to do our best against our opponents. We did a good job last season, so we won’t start from scratch. We’ve assimilated some aspects of our game perfectly already and we can have a completely different start to last season’s. We want to be stronger by the time we play our first league match this year. We must start the season the way we ended the last, by playing attractive and offensive football.

It is the first time since 1985 that the squad has three goalkeepers from the academy.
There are four right now, which is unique to football. I can’t see any other side having three or four goalkeepers from its academy. They also represent three different generations of players. One of them is the best in the world. Another has been promoted from third keeper to second. Our two youngest goalies train with us now and we will decide which will be our third and which will play for Castilla every week. They can play for our second side while training with the first team. I believe this team’s goal may be kept by academy goalies for years to come.

This is also an important season for Castilla. You proved to count on them last season and you’ve proved it again this preseason.
It isn’t easy because we’ve got two objectives right now. One is the evolution of the players and the other is to get Castilla promoted to the Second Division so that we can organise the team differently. That’s why we still give some players the chance to play in the First Division, such as Juan Carlos, Mateos, Juanfran, Sarabia… They are good enough to play in a better league and playing in the Second Division B wasn’t good for them. People are wrong to think we let these players get away from us. When Real Madrid loans out or sells these players with an option to repurchase them they remain Real Madrid footballers. We can get them back whenever we want. We want them to experience a different championship. On the other hand, we also think Castilla can get promoted and that’s why we’ve kept players of a superior level, like Casado, Joselu, Nacho, Alex, Morata and Carvajal. They will be the core of the team next year and we want to find two or three players who can help coach Toril come up with a Second Division team.

This squad is impressive; it is 24.8 years old on average.
They make us feel younger. We have to adapt to their level. This is good for all of us. It’s positive for all. We have a team that must grow and may at times feel emotional weaknesses due to lack of experience. We have a squad that is potentially very good. I am delighted to work with them because they are motivated, they want to learn and they want to win. The coaching staff is delighted.

Why haven’t you given an interview in such a long time?
It isn’t necessary. So many people talk about me, feature me in their front pages, accuse me of saying things… I don’t need to talk. They do it for me.

Are you already thinking about the Spanish Super Cup?
No. The preseason isn’t there to prepare for the Spanish Super Cup. We will play the championship in the second week of August and that’s when we’ll think about it, despite the fact we’ll have many men with their national teams by then. During these first four or five weeks of training we won’t think of opponents or small competitions. We’ll just focus on preparing our players and coming up with the best team possible.

Isn’t it strange for you to play a match at 11:00 pm?
It will be my first time, but it won’t matter as long as the match is exciting.

One of the main goals this season is to win the Champions League. You will not be able to sit on the bench in the first few games. You’ll have to go to Nyon on the 28th. Have you already prepared your defence?
No, I haven’t. You don’t need to prepare anything when you’re saying the truth. It’s absolutely natural. I must have the right to think justice will be made and that I will be able to sit on the bench. If not, my coaching staff will be there. Real Madrid will be top seeded, something they weren’t in previous years, thanks to the great run we had in the Champions League last season. It allowed us to recover that status.

Who have you missed during the holidays?
I missed Manolin [an equipment manager]. Just looking at him makes me laugh.

You may have also missed your captain, Iker Casillas.
I haven’t had time because I’ve seen him travelling and enjoying his holidays so often. That story about me or Real Madrid wanting someone else to be the captain was very stupid. I understand papers have to sell copies and that they need to lie and lie when there is no football going on, but that sort of lie can be very damaging. He will always be a captain when he starts a game.

Did you speak to someone from the club on a daily basis during the holidays?
I spoke with Jose Angel Sanchez more than once a day.

It’s curious to see how excited you are with the new kits.
I like the gold names and numbers very much. I think our Champions League shirt will be rather new compared to those of previous years. I think this shirt will be very successful.

We’re in Beverly Hills, home to the stars. Which superstar would you like to see on the street?
I’d like to see Al Pacino.

Would you swap your life with that of a movie star’s?
Not even for one day.

Finally, what’s your objective for next season?
I want fans to feel proud of their team. I have a feeling we achieved that last season and I believe we can reach a new level of empathy in the positive relationship that exists between the team and the fans this year.

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Villas-Boas interferes with the signings of Mourinho

Andre Villas-Boas gets in the way of Mourinho. The relationship of the new Chelsea manager with the Real Madrid coach is now cold, non-existent, although Villas-Boas was one of his aides between 2002 and 2009. Perhaps that explains why Andre seems determined to interfere with some of the signings that Mourinho has requested. Villas-Boas takes days working on his project and has already shown his targets to Abramovich, curiously the same of Real Madrid: Neymar, Aguero and Coentrao. And a priority: Ramos.

Chelsea's interest to sign Neymar is not new, but had withdrawn from the bidding ("Mourinho has his man" told a manager to The Sun). However, the arrival of Villas-Boas has reactivated the machinery. Meanwhile, Aguero's statements about his leaving of Atletico has warned the 'Blues'. Yesterday, there was a meeting with Reguera, one of player's agents, who was in Manchester. And finally, Coentrao. His move to Madrid was ready, but Abramovich, guided by his coach, offers 30 million euros and the white club does not reach 25. But the young Portuguese wants to go further and to fish in the Bernabeu Stadium, Sergio Ramos specifically, despite being aware that the right defender has been renewed until 2017.

Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas

The lives of Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas are parallel paths (different styles) and initially shared the same teacher, Bobby Robson. But today, they have no relationship and Madrid coach admits no questions about his colleague when granting interviews.

Villas-Boas started on football with the history of the precocious child. His coaching instinct awoke with 16 years. He was a Porto fan and lived in the same build that Bobby Robson so the coach signed him as a scout in practice (94-95). That's when he met Jose Mourinho, who was 30 years and was technical assistant to the British coach.

They returned to coincide seven years later in Porto. In 2002, Villas-Boas joined the Mourinho's core of trust with Rui Faria and Silvino Louro. The word 'team' is etched for Mou. Villas-Boas was responsible for making reports of rivals from 2002 to 2009. Before starting the second year in the Inter, he told to Mourinho: "I ​​want to work in the field with you or I will go". And it was. Mourinho still wondering why he betrayed in that way.

Villas-Boas was introduced yesterday by the Chelsea and he gave a message to Mourinho: "Football is not a 'one man show', is something related to the group, I am the one group".

Note: Mourinho builds a Real Madrid for 10 years

The signing of Varane is the icing on the white 'Baby Boom'. Özil, Khedira, Sahin, Di Maria Canales, Callejon... The average age of the template is 24.6 years. It is the youngest team in the Champions League.

Mourinho has built a young Real Madrid

Real Madrid boasts of having built a team that could face the next decade without a single signing more: "A Real Madrid for 10 years".That's what the Board of Real Madrid thinks, so it could be forget the football market until 2021 and would be competing at the highest level with many of the players that are on today's template.

The incorporation of Varane, 18 years old, ​​is the culmination of a 'Baby Boom' in Real Madrid led by Jose Mourinho. In just one year, the Portuguese coach has formed a template that will war for a long time. Players like Di Maria, Özil, Khedira, Sahin, Callejón, Varane... will lay the foundations of his Real Madrid. Except Altintop and Carvalho, the coach has not signed a single player with more than 23 years. Condition to be met safely the next two signings of white set: Neymar and Coentrao.

Mourinho designs a new Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho continues to revolutionize the Real Madrid. Portuguese coach has spent the last month, since the end of the competition, to transform the internal structure of the club. The department of research of players, the database, scouting and the youth teams are the first to improve.

Mourinho's first day as Real Madrid coach

Mourinho was hired by ten million euros a year to win the Champions League and the League. But also to change the dynamics of the club. To return to the coach the leadership that should never have lost. And the coach has decided to do no matter who falls.

Mourinho's statements after finishing the season "If Real Madrid is sleeping like an elephant, is not strong" are consistent with the speech he held throughout the year, never showed hesitate to report, for example, the shortcomings in the organizational structure of Madrid, a club that hosts more than 300 people on the payroll, 2000 people working on game days and more than 350 players from all sports templates.

Mourinho went on vacation last Wednesday. Since the season ended, a month ago, has worked tirelessly 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday, halfway between his office in Valdebebas Sports City and Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, side by side with Jose Angel Sanchez, his perfect partner, deciding the ups and downs, but above all, honing what he calls "the basic organization of a football club".

Mourinho Tactical Board

The 'Mourinho Tactical Board', an innovative software developed by a Portuguese company that helps the tactical organization of football teams, has achieved a great success worldwide selling in about 180 countries. A spokesman for Forward Green, the Portuguese company which prompted the application at the request of Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, has said the software has been sold in countries as different as Russia, China, Japan, Canada, Malaysia and Libya.

Mourinho Tactical Board

One of the officers of the company, Pedro Araujo, considered that the success is due to its simplicity and accessibility for "any coach" and its affordable price (ranging between 9.95 and 39.95 euros). "In Spain it has sold a lot in the area of ​​Madrid and Barcelona", said Araujo, who declined to disclose the names of the teams in the Spanish first division they acquired it.

The 'Mourinho Tactical Board', launched last April, is a network software available for different devices -from PCs to tablets- which stores information in an orderly way in order to meet the tactical and technical needs of a team. Planning practices and games simultaneously, to study the set pieces and analyze the actions of rivals are some of the options provided by this application, that 'buries' the traditional notebook.

Araujo said that Mourinho and his technical team helped to build the program with several suggestions, including the inclusion of the set ball pieces. The success of software has led the company, which only has a dozen employees, on a new feature that includes a notepad and the possibility of making videos sequences in the plays.