Pellegrini gets Ronaldo backing

(GSM) – Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has come out in support of under-fire coach Manuel Pellegrini, hoping that he remains in charge of the Merengues for several more seasons.

Reports have suggested that club president Florentino Perez is lining up Jose Mourinho to replace Pellegrini in the summer with Madrid likely to end another season empty-handed despite last summer’s spending spree of 250million euros.

England coach and former Madrid boss Fabio Capello has also been touted as a possible target but Ronaldo is adamant he wants Pellegrini to stay.

“I’m going to be honest. I like people who have a winning mentality,” he said.

“And with that I’m not referring to Mourinho or another coach.

“I am very happy with Pellegrini. He’s doing very well and helping us a lot.

“For me he is the most important coach. It’s not my thing to talk about other coaches. You have to have respect for Pellegrini.

“Let’s hope he stays at Real Madrid one, two or three more years.”

Madrid have narrowed the gap on champions Barcelona at the top of the standings to just one point, with five games remaining.

And Ronaldo is confident of lifting the trophy come the end of the season.

The former Manchester United player added: “Is there still a title race? Of course.

“We are in a better situation than last week. Now we are only a point off and everything is possible in football.

“You have to fight until the end. All the players think it’s possible.

“I am confident of winning the remaining five matches and confident that that way we will win the league.”