Madrid: Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has mocked Barcelona`s Pep Guardiola by stating that his side`s aim for the season is to avoid relegation, ahead of the club`s away trip against Levante on Sunday.
The Portuguese tactician was reacting to the 40-year-old`s press conference on Friday, when he told reporters that it would be normal for last season`s Liga and Champions League winners to not win anything this campaign.
With Madrid currently sitting top of the Primera Division with a 100 per cent record, the outspoken coach`s comments should be taken with a pinch of salt.
"We will fight to stay in the first division and to take 40 points," Mourinho told reporters.
"Until we take 40 or more points our main objection is to avoid relegation. By achieving this quickly, we will look sooner for other objectives. We must continue to take points."
The former Inter tactician then chose to focus his attentions to the task at hand - the visit to relegation fodder, Levante.
"If we keep playing this way we`ll have a chance of winning tomorrow against a difficult opponent," he added.
"We failed to win at their stadium last year. It will be difficult because they defend fiercely and well. Levante are a good side that`s competitive and aggressive.We will have to play very well in order to win."
Madrid will be hoping that star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for Sunday`s encounter after picking up a knock in Wednesday`s 1-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.
"We`ll see just how fit Ronaldo is after training. Calling him up will mean he can play," Mourinho explained.
"If he can`t, he won`t make the cut, we won`t try to fool anybody."
Mourinho also reacted to comments from midfielder Lassana Diarra, who stated he is looking to stay at the club despite being heavily linked with a move away from Madrid this summer.
"The case on Lass is shut. He is our player and I never wanted him to leave. He wouldn`t be able to play in the Champions League on any other side anyway," Mourinho concluded.
The Liga giants kick-off against Levante at 2000 CET on Sunday evening, with the side looking to do better than the 0-0 draw they earned at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia last season.
Goal.com
First Published: Sunday, September 18, 2011, 00:05