Mourinho fires scheduling shot

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes the La Liga schedule had a role to play in his team’s 0-0 draw against Deportivo La Coruna.

Second-placed Real’s failure to win on Saturday means they are now seven points behind league leaders Barcelona in the race for the title.

Real travelled to Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday and Mourinho believes it would have more suitable for their subsequent domestic match to have been played a day later.

“The schedule is decided by people who know what they are doing,” Mourinho said.

“Playing on Sunday would have been the normal thing to do. The people who drew up the calendar knew what they were doing.”

“People laugh behind my back, but I will continue speaking out against a situation that is clear to everyone. It is something that is impossible to deny, but that’s a whole other matter.”

Real dominated throughout at the Estadio Riazor, but a combination of Depor goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia and the woodwork denied the visitors from the Spanish capital.

“Deportivo practically didn’t touch the ball in the second half and we played against a goalkeeper and ten defenders,” Mourinho said.

“All that matters is the outcome, but I cannot criticize my players. One team played to win and the other worked very hard to take one point. The team that was after the point got what it wanted. I think it would have been fair had the match ended 0-1.”

“Deportivo can play however they want. I have nothing to say in that respect. I am sure they are pleased with the point. They played their match and worked hard. If they play this way in every match, I am sure they would be competing for a Europa League spot.”

“Seven points (behind Barca) is a lot, but mathematics play an important role and we will continue as long as it’s possible.”