Mourinho quashes talk of disharmony in Madrid squad

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed talk of divisions in his squad ahead of tonight's Copa del Rey quarter-final return leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed talk of divisions in his squad ahead of tonight's Copa del Rey quarter-final return leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.


Real Madrid players celebrate a goal during Sunday's La Liga match
against Athletic Bilbao in Madrid. Pic/Getty Images

It was reported in the Spanish press at the weekend that the Portuguese would leave the Bernabeu in June, with an alleged training-field bust-up between Spain defender Sergio Ramos and Mourinhou00a0-- news of which apparently leaked from within the campu00a0-- also adding fuel to the fire of disharmony in the squad.

Jose Mourinho

However, Mourinho brushed aside talk of problems ahead of the crucial cup game against rivals Barca in which they will have a 2-1 deficit to overturn.

"I do not provoke cliques," Mourinho told https://www.as.com/. "I know nothing about the leaks. I feel very supported by the board, we're currently in the midst of a very good spell."

Real received a much-needed boost when the Spanish football association announced it was not going to take any action over Pepe's alleged stamp on the hand of Barcelona's Lionel Messi during a fiery first leg.