Valdano rejects talk of rift with Mourinho

Real Madrid’s general manager Jorge Valdano yesterday denied reports of a rift between him and coach Jose Mourinho, saying comments he made in a post-match interview had been misinterpreted.

“I have no problems at all with Mourinho,” the Argentine said.

“Crazy things are being said. All this commotion that has happened in recent days doesn’t make any sense,” he said, according to sports newspaper AS.

“Since Sunday, we have had dinner together... We speak constantly, we messaged each other just yesterday.”

Rumours of friction between the two were fueled by comments Valdano made after Madrid’s 1-1 draw against bottom club Almeria on Sunday.

The general manager said French striker Karim Benzema, who spent the much of the match on the bench, was suffering “a great injustice”.