Mourinho denies Casillas rift

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists there has been no breakdown in his relationship with goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

“There is no story with Casillas,” Mourinho told reporters. “I have no problems with him.”

Mourinho was then asked to address speculation that he is considering leaving the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season to take charge of big-spending Premier League side Manchester City.

“I have no need to talk about my continuity,” the former Inter boss declared. “I have two years left on my contract and have never said I will not stay.”

Turning his attention to Real’s recent media blackout, Mourinho said he is bemused by the fallout from the club’s refusal to speak to the press in the wake of their draw with Villarreal earlier this month.

“After the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona last season, we opened our hearts and we were killed for it. In the Copa del Rey, as well,” he said.

“In Villarreal, we all decided not to talk about the game to avoid being sanctioned. We did not like (what happened) but we went away quietly, without creating controversy.

“We thought we were doing something positive and we were criticised for it.

“So then, the problem is not ours, but yours (the media). Now we cannot be accused of generating pressure or creating controversy.”

Real face a La Liga visit to Pamplona on Saturday to take on Osasuna.