Mourinho writes off Spanish title hopes
Source: AFP |
January 25, 2013, Friday
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Print Edition
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REAL Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has written off his team's chances of catching Spanish league leader Barcelona and has turned his attention to helping the club win the Champions League for the 10th time.
With the Spanish league more than halfway through, Barcelona is 15 points ahead of Madrid, which won the title last season but is now in third place behind crosstown rival Atletico.
"It's impossible to win the league this year. We have to think about the Champions League and the Copa del Rey," Mourinho said on Wednesday. However, he warned frustrated Madrid fans not to build up their expectations ahead of the Manchester United last 16 match.
"It's an objective for me (to win the Champions League), but I don't think you should be obsessed," he said. "You have to understand that other teams can win the competition. They also have the potential to do it."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas who fractured left thumb during the Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg in Valencia.
The 31-year-old was forced off the pitch 16 minutes into the contest after teammate Alvaro Arbeloa accidentally kicked his hand as he attempted a clearance.
Real advanced to the semifinals after the 1-1 draw which saw Mourinho's side progress 3-1 on aggregate.
Real gave no estimate for how long Casillas may be sidelined but Spanish media reported that an injury of this type could take up to three months to heal.
Madrid will play Getafe in the Spanish league on Sunday.
With the Spanish league more than halfway through, Barcelona is 15 points ahead of Madrid, which won the title last season but is now in third place behind crosstown rival Atletico.
"It's impossible to win the league this year. We have to think about the Champions League and the Copa del Rey," Mourinho said on Wednesday. However, he warned frustrated Madrid fans not to build up their expectations ahead of the Manchester United last 16 match.
"It's an objective for me (to win the Champions League), but I don't think you should be obsessed," he said. "You have to understand that other teams can win the competition. They also have the potential to do it."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas who fractured left thumb during the Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg in Valencia.
The 31-year-old was forced off the pitch 16 minutes into the contest after teammate Alvaro Arbeloa accidentally kicked his hand as he attempted a clearance.
Real advanced to the semifinals after the 1-1 draw which saw Mourinho's side progress 3-1 on aggregate.
Real gave no estimate for how long Casillas may be sidelined but Spanish media reported that an injury of this type could take up to three months to heal.
Madrid will play Getafe in the Spanish league on Sunday.
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