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Journalism of Courage
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has refused to tone down his rhetoric in response to a call from club president Florentino Perez for unity in an obviously divided dressing room during the final few weeks of the season.
After some unsavoury sniping between Mourinho and members of his squad in recent weeks,Perez had called for the club to be united for the fans. Mourinho had made a veiled attack on goalkeeper Iker Casillas,whom he has dropped in favour of Diego Lopez,prompting Sergio Ramos and Pepe to speak out in support of their captain.
At a news conference on Tuesday for Wednesdays match at home to Malaga,he responded to Pepes expression of support for Casillas,made after Saturdays 4-3 La Liga victory at home to Real Valladolid.
His problem has a name: Raphael Varane. Its not easy for a man of 31 years,with status and history,to be trampled over by a kid of 19. But thats the law of life. On a sporting level Pepes life has changed. I have no problem with him. I understand that its not an easy situation but I have to try to be honest and I think that there are very few people who dont think that the future of Real Madrid in defence is Varane with Sergio Ramos.
Mourinho was again asked about his future at Real,and whether he was trying to provoke the club into sacking him so he could pocket a substantial payoff.
So that there is absolutely no doubt,I want to say that I will earn a salary until the final day I work for Real Madrid, he said.
Return of the one?
LONDON: Rafa Benitez has ruled out extending his stay as Chelsea boss next season on Tuesday,saying the identity of his successor was an open secret. You know that next year another manager will be here and I think every one knows who will be here, Benitez said in a televised news conference. Mourinho is the hot favourite to return to Chelsea.
