In his column for El Periodico de Catalunya, Cruyff wrote: "Are Madrid adding an incredible amount of points? It is true. But to recognize this achievement, does not have to imply or feed absolutely false rumors that I have given the OK for the arrival of (Jose) Mourinho.

"Or that I am ready to coach the team this season. First, because we have trainer until 2009. And second, because Rijkaard is my friend. And to a friend I never do anything behind their back."