Mourinho denies rift with Real

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has denied a reported breakdown in his relationship with club director Jorge Valdano and said he intends to see out the four years of his contract with the La Liga giants.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has denied a reported breakdown in his relationship with club director Jorge Valdano and said he intends to see out the four years of his contract with the La Liga giants.

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Mourinho complained at the weekend that the club were not doing enough to support his criticism of referees he believed favoured opposing sides and Spanish media later said he and Valdano were at loggerheads over the issue.

"I can deny that the personal relationship is bad," the flamboyant Portuguese told a news conference after Real's 8-0 King's Cup thumping of Levante on Wednesday when asked about Valdano.

"I have no personal problems with anyone," he added. "That's the most important thing."

Speaking in an earlier television interview, Valdano said the media reaction to Mourinho's comments about referees had been exaggerated and it was "a small thing".

"We all have a certain type of personality and you have to accept that," the Argentine added. "We have a great team with a great future and a very, very competent coach and that should be enough to keep all the Madrid family happy."

"My intention at Real is to see out the four years of my contract," said the coach.