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Real dismisses Valdano in victory for Mourinho

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-27 08:03

MADRID - Real Madrid fired Jorge Valdano as director general on Wednesday in what was seen as a victory for coach Jose Mourinho, who had repeatedly clashed with the former Argentine international last season.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said Valdano's position would be terminated as part of a restructuring aimed at giving the club a more "English" style that would grant Mourinho more autonomy over decision-making.

Perez dismissed media reports the Portuguese coach had demanded Valdano be dismissed as a condition for his staying on at the club.

"Mourinho did not make any demands. He asked for more autonomy in line with how English clubs are organized," he told a hastily-convened news conference following a meeting of the club's board of directors.

"There were two people with a strong sports character and the harmony that needs to exist was lacking. You were all witnesses of this over the past season. There was a clear dysfunction that needed to be resolved."

Valdano reportedly opposed the appointment of Mourinho in May 2010 but was overruled by Perez, who believed the Portuguese coach has what it takes to end Barcelona's domination.

He has a long record of criticizing Mourinho's style of soccer in his newspaper columns and television, even long before the Portuguese manager took the reins at the Bernabeu.

In 2008 Valdano wrote "Mourinho has a flitting charisma that doesn't really know what it represents.

In January, Valdano, 55, angered Mourinho, 48, by appearing to question the coach's decision to leave French striker Karim Benzema on the bench during Real's 1-1 draw at Almeria.

"I hope Benzema does not stay on the bench for too long. The situation surrounding him is unfair," he said at the time.

When asked about Valdano's comments, Mourinho shot back: "I pick the team and if I need any help then I have my coaching staff."

Valdano, a former player and coach at Real, had seen his role at the club and his access to the first team reduced as the season advanced. By the end of the season he was travelling separately from the squad.

He said he had not spoken to Mourinho beyond a polite greeting "for some time" and had asked to meet the Portuguese coach and Perez to clear the air "but apparently this was not possible".

"When sensibilities are so different, it does not take long for differences to appear," he told a separate news conference at Real's Bernabeu stadium from the one granted by Perez.

"I don't know what was Mourinho's intention, I know that I made an effort all season to reduce the noise. I am leaving with the sadness of someone who has come and gone from the club for nothing less than 27 years."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 05/27/2011 page22)