Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo spoke up in defense of the club’s much-criticized coach, Jose Mourinho, calling his Portuguese compatriot “the best in the world.”
“In soccer, nothing is impossible,” the forward said in an interview published Monday on the FIFA Web page.
Real Madrid is currently third in La Liga, trailing first-place Barcelona by 18 points.
“People can express themselves as they wish, and it’s respectable, though I believe they should have some patience,” Ronaldo said.
“It’s clear to me that Mourinho always wants what’s best for the club and I will defend him to the death,” Cristiano said. “In my opinion, he is the best coach in the world.”
The 27-year-old Portuguese international also said he intends to remain with Real Madrid for the duration of his contract, which runs through 2015.
And while the club is struggling in La Liga, Ronaldo prefers to focus on Real’s chances for a 10th Champions League title.
“The tenth (title) is what all Madridistas want,” he said. “Last year it was one step away, which was very frustrating. Luckily, we have the chance for revenge this year, with the added difficulty of facing Manchester United.”
Acknowledging the prowess of his former club, now leading the Premier League, Cristiano said he feels good about Real Madrid’s odds in the knockout stage clash with Man United.
“But if we play at our level, we can beat them,” he said of the English powerhouse.
