Mourinho - We're not inferior - Real Madrid coach confident of bouncing back

Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by skysports.com

Mourinho - We're not inferior - Real Madrid coach confident of bouncing back
Jose Mourinho: Real Madrid boss rubbishes suggestions of his players losing motivation

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that his side are inferior to Barcelona following their defeat in the Clasico on Saturday.

Los Blancos went down 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu despite taking the lead in the first minute and are now second behind Barca, level on 37 points and have a game in hand on the Spanish champions.

Madrid are back in action on Tuesday when they take on third-tier Ponferradina in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last 32 tie, and Mourinho remains adamant that his players will bounce back.

"There is no feeling of inferiority," Mourinho told a press conference. "I wouldn't change our situation with anyone else's.

"My motivation is as strong as ever. Leaders in the Champions League, (joint) leaders in La Liga and you are asking me about motivation?"

Defending Ronaldo

A number of first-choice regulars have been left out of Madrid's squad for the game at El Toralin, but Cristiano Ronaldo will play in Tuesday's cup tie.

The forward had a disappointing match against Barcelona and was jeered by some home supporters, but Mourinho insists that his compatriot is not depressed.

""If he is like me he doesn't listen to whistling," said the Portuguese.

"He was affected by losing a match, as we all were, but without ever losing his emotional balance.

"It's normal that he is sadder today than he was 15 days ago but there is no drama about his situation."