La Liga News: Mourinho Not Bothered With Jeering Bernabeu Crowd
Jose Mourinho, the newly appointed Real Madrid coach told reporters that he was not concerned with the jeers by the Madrid fans at the Spanish giants 1-0 win over Osasuna this weekend. The Santiago Bernabeu crowd had been expecting a thrilling match with a lot of goals against the lowly Osasuna, instead they witnessed a boring match with only a single goal.
The Portuguese manager was brought in because of his reputation and past achievements, having won trophies with all of his previous clubs; Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. His appointment was thought to be the only thing that could bring Madrid out of the slump they’re facing and lead them to winning ways.
It was his favourite defender Ricardo Carvalho who scored the only goal of the game to save his boss the blushes. Carvalho was with Jose Mourinho at Porto and after winning the Champions League with them, followed his fellow countryman to London. They had two successful seasons at Chelsea and after Mourinho left for Inter, there was speculation that the Portuguese defender would follow, but he waited and reunited with Mourinho at Madrid.
The Special One said in the press conference, “The public can jeer if they want and I can respect it. I work for the total satisfaction of the public and they pay me to work and not to criticize the fans. I will never say anything against the fans of Real Madrid. Is it only at the Bernabeu where they demand more? I don't know any supporters of any big clubs that settle for less. It is nothing new for me.”
The first half was admittedly dull and boring, with both sides playing cautiously. Both the goal keepers had very little to do and the crowd jeered the teams off the field after the half time whistle blew. The second half was slightly better, with Carvalho’s goal being the difference between the two sides, but even then it could hardly be labelled exciting.
It has been a somewhat disappointing start to the season for last season’s top scorers with only one goal in the opening two league matches. Mourinho explained the reason for his side’s lack of goals, saying that they had a more defensive strategy this season. He pointed out that the tightening up of the defence had resulted in fewer goals but had ensured back to back clean sheets.
“It was a difficult game (against Osasuna) but we didn't have any problems and (Iker) Casillas didn't have anything difficult to do. Perhaps it wasn't a great game and there wasn't a lot of quality although we were much better in the second half.”
“However, two games and two clean sheets are important. We controlled the game easily and I am sure it would have been more relaxing if the second goal had come. I am happy with the points and the control we had on the match. I understand the public want more and I want more too and so do the players.”
Despite the early setbacks, Madrid are a point ahead of Barcelona. The champions suffered an unexpected 2-0 defeat at the hands of newly promoted Hercules. Even a one point lead will be a big boost for Madrid, along with the comeback of Cristiano Ronaldo. Mourinho revealed, “Cristiano is perfect physically and the ankle is fine. I am happy with the effort he put in for the team after a difficult fortnight in which he couldn't train with the ball.”
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