Madrid fans standing by Mourinho
Source: Agencies |
August 27, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
DESPITE the recent displays of abrasive behavior that has Jose Mourinho facing harsh criticism and a possible 12-game ban, Real Madrid supporters are firmly backing their coach.
Madrid fans were out in force on Wednesday to support their embattled coach at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium during a 2-1 friendly win over Galatasaray, one week after Mourinho poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a game-ending brawl in the Spanish Supercup.
The Bernabeu was littered with signs supporting Mourinho, including one that read: "Mou, your finger leads the way."
The Portuguese coach, who nearly always draws the loudest cheers when his name is announced over the stadium speaker, said he felt "better than ever" despite recent troubles.
"What matters most to me is that there is support for the team and Real Madrid," Mourinho said.
Mourinho will be banned for at least four games over the incident with Vilanova. Not the best way to start a season but Mourinho is no stranger to the sidelines as his tactics left him in the stands for a number of matches last season.
The Portuguese picked up European and domestic bans over unruly onfield conduct or news conference rants, including a five-match sanction in April when he alleged referees and UEFA favored Barcelona during their Champions League semifinals series.
The prospect of losing Mourinho to start the season didn't seem to bother fans, however. One even wore a T-shirt featuring a portrait of Mourinho with the words "Whatever you say Mou" underneath.
His squad agreed.
"We're in favor of Mourinho just like everyone is," Madrid forward Angel Di Maria said, while Sergio Ramos also lent his support.
"It's clear that Mourinho has the full support of this squad."
Madrid fans were out in force on Wednesday to support their embattled coach at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium during a 2-1 friendly win over Galatasaray, one week after Mourinho poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a game-ending brawl in the Spanish Supercup.
The Bernabeu was littered with signs supporting Mourinho, including one that read: "Mou, your finger leads the way."
The Portuguese coach, who nearly always draws the loudest cheers when his name is announced over the stadium speaker, said he felt "better than ever" despite recent troubles.
"What matters most to me is that there is support for the team and Real Madrid," Mourinho said.
Mourinho will be banned for at least four games over the incident with Vilanova. Not the best way to start a season but Mourinho is no stranger to the sidelines as his tactics left him in the stands for a number of matches last season.
The Portuguese picked up European and domestic bans over unruly onfield conduct or news conference rants, including a five-match sanction in April when he alleged referees and UEFA favored Barcelona during their Champions League semifinals series.
The prospect of losing Mourinho to start the season didn't seem to bother fans, however. One even wore a T-shirt featuring a portrait of Mourinho with the words "Whatever you say Mou" underneath.
His squad agreed.
"We're in favor of Mourinho just like everyone is," Madrid forward Angel Di Maria said, while Sergio Ramos also lent his support.
"It's clear that Mourinho has the full support of this squad."
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