Real Madrid vs Valladolid preview - Mourinho undecided on future

Posted Saturday, May 04, 2013 by PA

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insisted that he has not made a decision over where he will ply his trade next season.

The Portuguese strongly hinted after Tuesday's Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund that he wants to return to Chelsea by declaring that he is "loved" in England - in contrast to Spain, where he believes people "hate" him.

But, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's game against Real Valladolid, Mourinho claimed nothing was certain yet.

"It's not worth talking about if I go or not," he said. "If I go, I will not give explanations.

"I'm working with total professionalism and I still have the same honour and pleasure to work for this club as I did a month or two ago.

"I have not taken the decision yet. First to know will be my wife and my children. Then the president (Florentino Perez) and director general (Jose Angel Sanchez).

"We will speak about the future after the end of the season. I have a Copa del Rey final and La Liga matches to play."

Failure to beat Valladolid at the Bernabeu tomorrow would open the door for Barcelona to regain the Primera Division title by beating Real Betis on Sunday night.

"Finishing second in the league is not what we want but it is better than finishing third," the 50-year-old added. "We want to win as many points as possible."

Mourinho had been aiming to become the first coach to win the Champions League with three clubs following his successes with Porto and Inter Milan.

Their 4-3 aggregate loss to Dortmund - which came despite a 2-0 win in Tuesday's home leg - put paid to such ambitions, though, leaving the Portuguese to reflect: "I just want Real Madrid to win the Champions League, either with or without me."

Whether he stays or goes in the summer, Mourinho expressed his desire for compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo to remain in the Spanish capital.

"Players must be completely dedicated to and focused on their clubs," he said. "I hope that Cristiano plays here for many more years."

Ronaldo is doubtful with a thigh strain, while defender Sergio Ramos could miss out after suffering a hamstring problem against Dortmund. Mourinho will also be without Alvaro Arbeloa and Marcelo through injury and their fellow defender Raul Albiol due to suspension.

Valladolid coach Miroslav Djukic, meanwhile, urged his team to remain true to themselves as they looked to halt Madrid's four-game winning run in La Liga.

"Playing against one of the most important teams in the world is always special. Everyone wants to play in these types of games and enjoy them," the Serbian said at his pre-match press conference. "We will be going out for victory, and of course we can do it.

"It will be difficult, but we will try to keep to our style of play. Throughout this season we have matured as a team and gained in confidence. We were able to stand up to every opponent."

Valladolid head to the Bernabeu in 12th place in the standings - 10 clear of the relegation zone with five matches left.

Asked whether that was enough to assure their safety, he replied: "We are now entering the decisive stage of the season, where all the teams work harder, where they fight tooth and nail, giving it their all.

"We have to do the same, and not be looking at the calculator every day."

Djukic has no fresh injury worries following last weekend's 1-1 draw with Sevilla. Midfielder Patrick Ebert and defender Antonio Rukavina missed training but the coach was not overly concerned, saying both had sat out only with minor knocks.