"Rumours concerning Cristiano and Casillas' relationship are made up in order to sell newspapers"

"We are having a perfect season; we haven't lost any of our chances to win titles"

Alberto Navarro / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Jose Mourinho adressed the media the day prior to facing Sevilla at the Bernabeu. The coach asked fans to pack the stadium in support of the team.

"The match against Sevilla is worth three points regardless of absences on either team. Both sides want to win for different reasons. Our fans must always make a difference and they are always there for us at home. The two games we have yet to play before the new year are important. If I may, I'd like to ask the fans to come to the stadium. We will give our all in both games and they will help us win with their support."

"Gregorio Manzano is the coach of Sevilla, a team with quality players. I have great respect for him and his side. I will greet him before the match, just like I greet every other coach at my stadium."

"Rumours concerning Cristiano and Casillas' relationship are made up in order to sell newspapers when there are no real interesting news. Some news that are made up, such as false signings, are much less detrimental to the image of players. That's all it is. There are no problems on my squad. We don't want to play this game, but I do have to say me have no internal strife whatsoever."

"The Medical Staff knew we lacked men and that getting at least one out of the infirmary would be important to us. Sergio Ramos is ready and he wants to play, so he will. He'll have time to recover in the holidays if he happens to experience some problems during the match. He did everything he could to play again, as befits a true captain and team worker."

"Arbeloa will be a starter. He always does well in any position and he is a great player on this squad. He is performing brilliantly. Players earn a starting position by doing a good job in training and by playing games."

"This has been the best year in my career. I would give myself an 11 out of 10. I won every cvhampionship I played in last season and we currently have lost none of our chances to win titles at Real Madrid. The league is very open still. We've qualified for the Last 16 both in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. We also were the best side in the Champions League group stage. This season has been perfect for us so far."

"It will be good for Benzema to play if we don't experience problems during the match. I didn't need forwards in the last 20 minutes of our match against Zaragoza because we were already winning 3-1. Problems could arise if we happen to be losing or drawing the match with so little time left, forcing me to come up with a more offensive lineup. I therefore have to study the match well in order to decide if I'll use Benzema as a starter or if I'll keep him on the bench. It's better for him to play, but the same goes for Cristiano Ronaldo and Di Maria."

"Kaka was very excited and moved for training with the team again today. We want him to continue to work with his team-mates until Wednesday. We want him to train with the squad more often after the holidays in order to be able to play, or at least be benched, by mid-January."

"We will not have a team get-together on 31 December. It isn't true. I will have the traditional grapes at home. If the players want to get together, then let it be so, but my staf and I will be with our families."

"Pressure doesn't really affect me. I suffered more from it in Italy than I do here. I had to spend 90 minutes addressing the media after a game in Italy. The only thing I have to do over here is to ask my colleagues on other teams when I can give a press conference, given that some of them are more vulnerable and therefore want to choose when to do their's. We work well over here, and we all head in the same direction, with the same style of addressing the media. I'll never get tired with this system."

Real Madrid-Sevilla

Mourinho's side has won seven league games, three Champions League matches and one Copa del Rey fixture at the Bernabeu

Alberto Navarro / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Real Madrid will face Sevilla in their last league game in 2010. The southern side is having an irregular run this season, but it is nevertheless one of the most competitive teams in the championship. Key men like Xabi Alonso and Marcelo are suspended for the match, but Mourinho will be able to count on Khedira (who was suspended last week) and the recently recovered Sergio Ramos.

The Whites have won the eleven games they've played at the Bernabeu so far in the season and look to win tomorrow's and Wednesday's against Levante to seal a perfect run before the new year.

TEAM STATS

HOME AWAY

Pos. Pts. GP GW GD GL GP GW GD GL

R.Madrid 2 38 7 7 0 0 8 5 2 1

Sevilla 11 20 8 3 2 3 7 3 0 4

Karim Benzema turns 23 on Sunday and hopes to celebrate by giving a spectacular performance for the fans. The match will be the first Iker Casillas plays after winning the Golden Glove award; the goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in six of the ten official games he's appeared in at the Bernabeu this season, having missed the match against Auxerre.

Sevilla are motivated following their draw against Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund, which qualified them for the Last 32 of the Europa League.

REAL MADRID vs. SEVILLA IN LA LIGA

GP GW GD GL GF GA

Real Madrid 132 67 26 39 271 183

Sevilla 132 39 26 67 183 271

Coach Gregorio Manzano replaced Antonio Alvarez earlier in the season and has improved the team's game with a style resembling that which made it one of the most competitive sides in Europe. The absences of Navas, Kanoute and Perotti will not weaken their potential in attack thanks to the presence of Luis Fabiano, former Madridista Negredo and Diego Capel.

Mourinho: I'd appreciate more support

Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to do more to defend his team regarding refereeing performances.

He commented after seeing nine players booked and Ricardo Carvalho questionably sent off in Sunday night's fiery clash with Sevilla.

Mourinho also lauded his players for claiming the three points despite playing with a man less for almost half-an-hour, but it was once again the subject of the officiating that dominated the Portuguese's post-match press conference.

Mourinho vented his ire towards the match officials following last weekend's game at Real Zaragoza, complaining his side were not being treated in the same way as others after Xabi Alonso and Marcelo picked up bookings which ruled them out of the Sevilla game.

And following Sunday night's 1-0 win at the Bernabeu, Mourinho held up a piece of paper which he said listed the mistakes that referee Carlos Clos Gomez had made in the match.

"There were 13 serious errors from the referee. If I talk about them, I won't be at the next game," said Mourinho, who has served two separate touchline bans recently for different offences.

"In the last press conference you asked me if I was tired. I don't feel under pressure when I'm doing what I like, and I like to coach.

"I'm tired of this. My team deserves to be defended. If I say what I think, tomorrow I'm on the front pages and suspended.

"There is a club, with a structure, and I want them to defend my team, not only me.

"I want to talk with the president (Florentino Perez). I have a good personal relationship with the club, even though we think different things.

"Today I prefer to say that I have a fantastic team."

The match itself was a largely forgettable one, with Clos Gomez taking centre stage after dishing out 12 yellow cards in all as well as dismissing Carvalho and Sevilla's Mouhamadou Dabo, who was shown a straight red card in injury-time.

Madrid had looked in danger of conceding more ground to leaders Barcelona after struggling to break down the Sevilla defence and then losing Carvalho to a second yellow card in the 63rd minute following a clash of heads with visiting striker Alvaro Negredo.

However, that dismissal seemed to galvanise the home side into action and they would end up taking the spoils thanks to Angel Di Maria's 77th minute strike.

That goal saw Madrid close the gap on Barca back to two points, and increased the capital club's winning streak at the Bernabeu to 15 games.

Mourinho hailed his players but also admitted the match was far from pretty, saying: "My team's character is out of this world. With important players missing, they've achieved what seemed impossible.

"Tonight's victory will be very frustrating for those who wanted us to fall four or five points behind Barcelona. This makes us stronger. Everything was set up for us to drop points, but we didn't."

He added: "There wasn't any sort of game. It was too ugly. I wouldn't have paid to see this game. At home I would have put on Eurosport to see a game from the Vietnam league."

Mourinho: I give myself 11 out of 10

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has talked himself up following an historic year with former club Inter Milan.

Reflecting on his achievements during a year in which he won the treble with Inter, Mourinho told Real's official site:"This has been the best year in my career.

"I would give myself an 11 out of 10. I won every championship I played in last season and we currently have lost none of our chances to win titles at Real Madrid. The league is very open still.

"We've qualified for the last 16 both in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. We also were the best side in the Champions League group stage. This season has been perfect for us so far."

Choosing to ignore the 5-0 drubbing over Barcelona in November, Mourinho then chose to talk about Real's upcoming La Liga match with Sevilla. "The match against Sevilla is worth three points regardless of absences on either team. Both sides want to win for different reasons," he said.

"Our fans must always make a difference and they are always there for us at home. The two games we have yet to play before the new year are important.

"If I may, I'd like to ask the fans to come to the stadium. We will give our all in both games and they will help us win with their support.

"Gregorio Manzano is the coach of Sevilla, a team with quality players. I have great respect for him and his side. I will greet him before the match, just like I greet every other coach at my stadium."

The wily Portuguese then blasted reports of a rift between Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Rumours concerning Cristiano and Casillas' relationship are made up in order to sell newspapers when there is no real interesting news," he fumed.

"Some news that is made up, such as false signings, are much less detrimental to the image of players. That's all it is.

"There are no problems in my squad. We don't want to play this game, but I do have to say we have no internal strife whatsoever."

Finally, Mourinho expressed hope that Kaka would be back in action soon.

"Kaka was very excited and moved for training with the team again today. We want him to continue to work with his team-mates until Wednesday.

"We want him to train with the squad more often after the holidays in order to be able to play, or at least be benched, by mid-January."

The Brazilian has been sidelined with injury for a few months and has only recently returned to training.

Mourinho: "I am extremely proud of coaching these men and this team

"Tonight's victory will be very frustrating for those who wanted us to lag 4 or 5 points behind Barcelona"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Jose Mourinho praised his men for winning against Sevilla tonight in a match in which "the referee made 13 serious mistakes."

"My team is from another world. It has otherworldly character. It did the impossible with the absence of important men. I am more than happy with my side. It's a shame we have to play on Wednesday because my men deserve a holiday after the hard work they've done these past few months."

"I am calm thanks to the excellent work all my players did tonight. The match had the perfect conditions for Barcelona's cushion over us to grow larger. We lacked two players for practically doing nothing wrong against Zaragoza. Tonight's victory will be very frustrating for those who wanted us to lag 4 or 5 points behind Barcelona. This makes us stronger. Everything was ripe for us to drop points, but we didn't."

"I'm not tired of doing things I like to do, like training and playing. I don't feel any pressure, but I do get tired when I get a list that points out 13 serious mistakes made by the referee tonight and to have to defend my team. My team has to be defended because it deserves to. I'd rather ask for a meeting with the President. We speak every week. We will talk about my life during the period I've been coaching Real Madrid. We have a right to have differences of opinion. I want to defend Real Madrid and my team."

"I have a fanstastic side, both on and off the pitch. We've been working very hard for six months and we've only earned one bad result. We've been playing quality football, earning good results and showcasing drive and devotion all this time. I am extremely proud to coach these players and this team."

"The stadium is always packed and the crowd always supports the team. People aren't stupid and they know this squad gives its all. I would prefer they cheered more, but I have no right to ask more of them. It's all down to coming from different cutlures in what regards behaviour at a stadium, that's all."

"I am very happy and feel very proud for Inter Milan's success in the FIFA Club World Cup. It was a great pleasure to train them, just as it is to coach Real Madrid. I thought Rafa Benitez would thank me for practically winning the title for him, but... Inter Milan fans would tell you how they really feel about it."

Mou always wears this shirt!

really? I don't remember. He always wear dark colours

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Casillas: Real don't fear Barcelona

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas maintains his side is not scared of bitter rivals Barcelona.

Barcelona have dazzled football fans the world over with some champagne football over the past few weeks.

With the likes of David Villa, Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi firing on all cylinders, the Catalans have coolly dismantled all-comers during their rise to the top of La Liga.

The most unexpected result was their 5-0 thrashing of Real in November's El Clasico. With Jose Mourinho in charge and a slew of big-names in their ranks, Real had been expected to mount a serious challenge at Camp Nou, but were taken apart by Barca's flowing football.

Despite that drubbing, Casillas remains upbeat about his side. Speaking to the Spanish media, he said:"The difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona is time.

"They have come together in the time in which they have been playing, and we need that time. However, it is impossible to tell that to the Bernabeu, because Madrid always has to be the order of the day, and be there.

"However I feel that we are progressing very well, quietly, and we have plenty of time to avenge our 5-0 defeat, which of course hurt us."

"I have no fear of Barcelona. The numbers are there, they are in first place and I respect them for that, but we will keep fighting. Real Madrid are an institution."

Real are preparing to play Levante in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday but will likely be without Cristiano Ronaldo who is suffering from tonsillitis.

"Mourinho has no problems at Real"

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka insists Jose Mourinho has no problems with anybody at the club.

President Florentino Perez has also played down the Portuguese's outburst following Sunday's match with Sevilla.

In the post-match press conference after the 1-0 win at the Bernabeu, Mourinho asked the Madrid hierarchy to do more to help him defend the team with regards refereeing performances.

The former Inter Milan coach, after seeing his side pick up nine yellow cards against Sevilla and have Ricardo Carvalho questionably sent off, felt it should not be left solely to him to speak out against perceived injustices.

Spanish media have suggested Mourinho was pointing the finger mainly at director general Jorge Valdano, but the club today played down the whole affair.

With Mourinho not taking his habitual pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's Copa del Rey game against Levante, it was down to his assistant Karanka to calm the waters.

"The coach has no personal problem with any member of the club. As happens in any place, there will be points of agreement and points of disagreement," Karanka said.

"We decided that I should speak today. Mourinho spoke the other day and now I am talking. What everyone wants is unity. We are all in the same boat, and hoping to have a good game against Levante.

"In the end what the fans want, regardless of who is in the press conferences, is that come May we are at Cibeles (a fountain in the centre of the Spanish capital where Madrid traditionally celebrate their title wins). I don't mind coming out to speak. I am proud to do so."

Karanka added: "He (Mourinho) seems great to me. The coach is very keen to take things game by game. We are going to finish 2010 two points behind Barca and we want to put ourselves on track in the cup. He looks to have more desire than ever."

Madrid president Perez, meanwhile, was quoted as telling Punto Radio: "It's customary for the club not to speak about the referees, and what we had to say has already been said by Jorge Valdano, who is our spokesman and best represents the image of our club. Now we need to look to the future.

"What happened (with Mourinho) was nothing major and we shouldn't give it any more importance. This is a solid and strong institution, with a great image that little incidents cannot tarnish."

Madrid go into the Copa del Rey last-16 first leg against Levante with a question mark hanging over the availability of leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international, who has played in every competitive game so far under Mourinho, was unable to complete training today due to acute tonsillitis, according to the Madrid website.

Ronaldo has still been included a 20-man squad for the last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu but it remains to seen if he will be able to face Levante.

Karanka said: "We'll see how things go. But whatever happens, the XI that goes out will be competitive and will have the intention of getting a good result."

Marcelo and Xabi Alonso return after missing the win win over Sevilla due to suspension, but Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Kaka, Fernando Gago, Sergio Canales and Jerzy Dudek are all missing for various reasons.

Xavi: Mourinho stimulates Barca

Barcelona playmaker Xavi Hernandez claims Real Madrid's motor-mouth coach Jose Mourinho inspires the Catalans.

Mourinho is never one of pulling punches and regularly makes remarks to the media that range from brutally candid to outright inflammatory.

And Xavi has now revealed that Mourinho's verbal barbs as well as his presence on the Real coaching bench serves as encouragement to the defending champions.

In comments reported by GQ, the midfielder said: "What interests me is the game, and I respect Jose Mourinho a lot, but currently he is very necessary for the Catalans, because it is him that stimulates us.

The Spaniard then went on to claim that Pep Guardiola's achievements would be seen in a brighter light by history compared to those of the Portuguese.

"Inter have won the Champions League, but the reference is to the club. Mourinho will not go down in history because he has brought something new to the game, but Guardiola will," he said.

Xavi then went on to shower praise on teammate Lionel Messi.

"For me the best is Messi, there is no one else. He is good for the image of football, he is a regular guy, simple, humble and competitive. Messi helps me be better at my job," he claimed.

Messi has scored 17 goals in La Liga so far - leading Barcelona's charge towards a third successive domestic title.

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This is the fourth time the team nets eight strikes in the championship

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Real Madrid last won 8-0 in the Copa del Rey in 1960 against Sporting Gijon. In total, the Whites have earned such a result four times.

REAL MADRID'S 8-0 IN THE COPA DEL REY

Date Opponent Stage

23-12-1928 C.D. Logroño Last 16 (1st leg)

28-05-1933 Sporting Quarterfinals (1st leg)

05-06-1960 Sporting Quarterfinals (1st leg)

22-12-2010 Levante Last 16 (1st leg)

Mourinho: I'm not leaving Real

Jose Mourinho insists his future lies at Real Madrid amid speculation linking him with a return to Inter Milan.

Mourinho led Inter to an unprecedented treble of Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia titles last season before switching to Madrid.

He was replaced at Inter by Rafael Benitez, but with reports suggesting the Spaniard's time at the San Siro could be coming to a swift end, Mourinho has found himself touted for a possible return to Italy.

However, the outspoken Portuguese, who on Sunday caused a stir by asking the Madrid hierarchy do more to protect the team in the face of perceived refereeing injustices rather than leave it all to him, is adamant he is going nowhere.

He is quoted as telling Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: "I have a four-year contract with Real Madrid, and I'm going to continue here for a long time.

"There are many things to do in Madrid, and not only on-field work.

"I hope that Inter don't need me now, as this would mean they have taken the wrong path.

"In my future it will be the Premier League or Italy. Problems at Real Madrid? I never have problems."

Mourinho also believes that Benitez's outburst against Inter president Massimo Moratti earlier this week showed a lack of respect for what he did at the club.

Benitez issued a 'sack me or back me' ultimatum after Inter's success at the FIFA Club World Cup, believing he needs extra funds in the upcoming transfer window to improve his faltering squad.

The reigning five-time Serie A champions sit 13 points adrift of leaders and city rivals AC Milan in the table, albeit with two games in hand.

"I don't want to know when or if Benitez is ousted," Mourinho added.

"I am only interested in Inter, the president, my friends, the players, the fans who in two years gave me everything.

"I want Inter to win everything apart from the Champions League, where there is Real Madrid.

"Rafa's words [after the Club World Cup]. They deserve no comment. I expected at least a thank you from the success that I gave him.

"Ask all the Inter fans what they think of me and him."

Mourinho has no issue with Valdano

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has moved to end speculation of a rift between him and director general Jorge Valdano.

Spanish media had suggested the pair fell out over Mourinho demanding that the club's hierarchy do more to help him defend the team with regards to refereeing performances. Madrid have a policy against commenting about officials.

Speaking at a press conference following Madrid's emphatic 8-0 Copa del Rey first leg fifth round win over Levante, Mourinho said: "I have no personal problems with anybody."

"I think it's natural to have occasional differences of opinion at a club with so many people working in it. I have no personal problems with anybody. Small differences can be resolved by communicating with one another," Mourinho was quoted on the club's official website as saying.

"My relationship with Valdano is not bad. I'm not here to talk about this and never throughout my career have I worried about image issues. My main concern has always been to have happy, devoted, disciplined and professional teams."

On Wednesday night, Mourinho's Madrid side certainly looked happy, devoted, disciplined and professional as they swept aside Levante with ease.

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored hat-tricks in the 8-0 rout which saw the home side 4-0 up at the break.

"We thrilled the crowd, but it also thrilled us. It was a beautiful and fun game, especially for the younger crowd at the stadium tonight," Mourinho said.

"I'm sorry for Levante's professionals because it is always harsh to lose this way, but I'm happy with the way we sealed the year. We've won 20 of our 25 official games, drawn 4 and lost only one. My men played a serious game tonight and that's the only way to earn such a victory."

Mesut Ozil and Pedro Leon also got on the score sheet for Madrid.

"Mourinho should show some respect"

Valencia coach Unai Emery has accused Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho of disrespecting his peers.

Mourinho, never short of a word in front of the press, had criticised the officials in a press conference after his side's narrow 1-0 win over Sevilla last weekend.

Emery, who has taken to calling out the Portuguese on his actions in recent times, waded into him again. In comments quoted on radio show Cadena Cope, he said: "You have to show respect. There are coaches whose jobs are on the line.

"There are rules to be observed at press conferences. The coach speaks then deals with issues internally. He made those statements but two weeks before we had an unfair dismissal and lost the game.

Comparing the outspoken Mourinho with two other coaches of the modern era - Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and Barcelona's Pep Guardiola, Emery said: "I've met Ferguson and Guardiola and both are guys that have won everything.

"These are gentlemen and are very respectful. Then comes another great coach, in Jose Mourinho. What would it cost him to be cordial and respectful? We already know he is good."

Now, it wouldn't be a surprise if Mourinho came back with a rebuttal to Emery in the wake of these comments.

Mourinho: "We thrilled the crowd, but they also thrilled us

"My men played a serious game tonight; that's the only way to earn such a victory"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Jose Mourinho was very satisfied with his team's 8-0 win over Levante in the Copa del Rey.

"We thrilled the crowd, but it also thrilled us. It was a beautiful and fun game, especially for the younger crowd at the stadium tonight."

"I'm sorry for Levante's professionals because it is always harsh to lose this way, but I'm happy with the way we sealed the year. We've won 20 of our 25 official games, drawn 4 and lost only one. My men played a serious game tonight and that's the only way to earn such a victory."

"I have no personal problems with anybody. I think it's natural to have occasional differences of opinion at a club with so many people working in it. I have no personal problems with anybody. Small differences can be resolved by communicating with one another."

"My relationship with Valdano is not bad. I'm not here to talk about this and never throughout my career have I worried about image issues. My main concern has always been to have happy, devoted, disciplined and professional teams. I've always wanted sides that could never be criticised by their cliubs for not being serious. This is my duty to Real Madrid and its supporters. There are no personal problems here. I'll soon be gone they day I start having any. I intend to see my four year-contract through because I have a very good relationship with everyone here."

"What matters is that Benzema played well today. He ran deep to support his team-mates in the very first minute and, when you start a game like that, the natural thing is to eventually give a great performance. Scoring goals is a matter of small details. He played a good game and the only reason I replaced him was because I wanted Morata to feel the Bernabeu crowd."

"Before the game started, my men asked me if I would allow them to spend the night of 5 January at home with their families if they won 4-0. I jokingly replied we would travel the day of the match if the scored 6. We will travel on the day of the match, not as a sign of disrespect to our opponent (after all, we drew our league match there), but because we feel it is important for Spaniards to spend that time at home."

Mourinho: I deserve Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho claims he would be the most deserving winner of the Ballon d'Or.

With his former team Inter Milan, Mourinho won the treble - leading his side to the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League trophies. And he is not shy of reinforcing that fact.

In comments reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: "I've made my choice - 11 months' work, 57 matches played, three titles including the most important of all, the tournament, the Champions League.

"I have won everything. I could not do any more than that, and nor could the players."

Spain World Cup winning coach Vicente del Bosque and Barcelona's Pep Guardiola are the other contenders in running for the prestigious award.

Mourinho was also critical of the selection committee's decision to pick Andres Iniesta, along with Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez in the players category. The trio's selection meant there was no place for Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder who also played in the World Cup final in the summer.

Mourinho said: "If the winner is Andres Iniesta, who unhappily was not able to play for the first five months of the year because of injury, but after that played six matches and scored a goal in South Africa, then anything can happen in the year of a World Cup final and the rest counts for nothing."

The winners in both the player and coach categories will be announced in Zurich on January 10.