Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano insists there's no rift with new coach Jose Mourinho. Valdano has been critical of Mourinho in his past guise as a media commentator, but insists he has settled his differences with the 'Special Juan'.

"To end these rumours, I want to clarify that in my time as a journalist I have written critical pieces about Mourinho, but that was settled three years ago without knowing that we'd end up at the same club. Between us there are no problems," said Valdano.

"I have no right to put my personal feelings ahead of Real Madrid. My responsibility is to seek the best for the club and now, of course, this is Jose Mourinho.

"I am honored to have with us one of the world's leading coaches. His record already speaks for itself."

Valdano added: "I defended Manuel Pellegrini from the first to the last day as was my duty and of any employee of Real Madrid. I will do the same with Jose Mourinho."