The pressure has intensified on Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho after Saturday’s goalless draw with bottom club Osasuna but he preferred to praise his side’s attitude then talk about his future.
The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and FC Porto manager has endured a difficult 2012-13 campaign, where Real are now 15 points behind leaders Barcelona who have a game in hand on Sunday against Malaga.
Sunday’s dismal result was the last thing Mourinho needed, given recent speculation, but he spoke glowingly about his side following the game.
“It’s not easy to create chances here against opponents like these,” Mourinho told reporters. “We had chances to score though, not many, but we had some.
“I liked the attitude of the team, and several players had great games. Raul Albiol and Fabio Coentrao deserve praise, playing very well despite just returning from long injuries.”
Iker Casillas, whose demotion has been a controversial topic at Real in recent weeks, was handed a start in the absence of the suspended Antonio Adan but Mourinho refused to confirm if the Spain number one would play in the Copa del Rey against Valencia in midweek despite a good performance.
“Casillas has done well in the last two games and we have been good defensively but it’s too early to say whether he’ll be playing against Valencia,” he said.