Mourinho won't play transfer window

Posted Tuesday, January 03, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claims he is not looking to offload any of his players in the winter transfer window.

Transfer speculation is the norm at a club like Real Madrid and there has been no shortage of reports linking a number of his players with moves away from the Bernabeu.

Among the high profile players rumoured to be heading for the exit include striker Gonzalo Higuain who is reportedly a target for Chelsea and Juventus.

However, Mourinho has moved quickly to try and quash these transfer stories in his first press conference in 2012 ahead of Tuesday's clash with Malaga in the first leg of the Copa del Rey last 16.

"I wouldn't like any of my men to leave in the winter transfer window," Mourinho said.

"I'd like to end the season with the same players I had when it started. My men and the board of directors are aware of this. Everything is open until 31 January, but I haven't asked for a signing and I surely wouldn't like anyone to leave.

"We have a number of players that add balance to the team in the three competitions."

Mourinho believes that with Madrid still fighting for trophies on all fronts, there are plenty of games to go around.

"We'll play at least six games in January and my intention is to use all my men," he said.

He added: "I expect Malaga to be excited and looking to earn a score that allows them to fight to win the tie."

"We will always use strong and balanced lineups capable of winning our matches. I expect us to win tomorrow, but I don't expect the match to decide the outcome of the tie."

"I wanted to win the tie against Ponferradina and I came up with two strong lineups to divide efforts amongst my men. We'll do the same again now because we'll play four league games and two Copa clashes with Malaga so far in January.

"My intention is not to reward my men with minutes, but rather to win our games."

Madrid start the New Year three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, having also progressed through to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 100% record while they are in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey as well.