Updated at 16.40
JOSE MOURINHO HAS moved to dismiss speculation suggesting he is on the brink of leaving Real Madrid.
In a letter addressed to the club’s fans, Mourinho reassured them that rumours of his imminent demise were greatly exaggered.
He said:
“Only those who don’t know me can dream, make up or believe I may leave Real Madrid at this stage.”
He also apologised, “to Madridistas,and only to them” for his behaviour in the Spanish Super Cup second leg against Barcelona.
His future as manager of Real Madrid had been in doubt, with the Portuguese manager reportedly growing tired of the constant controversy surrounding him, as a result of numerous clashes with the Spanish press and footballing authorities.
It had also been confirmed that Spanish football officials will investigate an incident in which Mourinho was alleged to have eye-gouged Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova.
While Barcelona elected not to report Mourinho, a statement released yesterday by the RFEF read:
“We will examine the images of the behaviour of Jose Mourinho and Franciso Vilanova, by performing behaviour that could be in violation of Article 98 and/or Article 100 of the code of disciplinary of the RFEF.”
It is understood that Mourinho could be banned for up to 12 games as a result of his actions, according to football journalist Rob Harris, in the latest in a series of controversial incidents that have tarnished his tenure as Real Madrid manager.
Many believed it could be the last straw for Mourinho, with speculation rife that he was set to consider his future. The manager has demonstrated growing antipathy towards Spanish footballing authorities, including those representing Real Madrid, who have been known to regularly criticise his controversial stances.
Ealier today, renowned Spanish football journalist, Guillem Balague, tweeted:
“According to Canal Plus, Mourinho is thinking of leaving Madrid as he doesn’t feel backed by board.”
On the field, Mourinho’s managerial reign has been so far deemed relatively successful, as Real Madrid have decreased the gap in quality that has existed between them and bitter rivals Barcelona.
Mourinho masterminded his team’s Spanish Cup final defeat of the Catalan side, and helped them achieve a second place finish last season, winning 29 out of a possible 38 games, and losing only four times.
