Sports

Mourinho sacking a ‘shame’, says Real Madrid’s Marcelo

Published

5 years ago

December 18, 2018

Real Madrid defender Marcelo believes it is a “ shame” Jose Mourinho has been sacked as coach of Manchester United and has paid tribute to his work at the Spanish club .
Mourinho was dismissed by United on Tuesday after a poor run of form left the club sixth in the Premier League table and 19 points adrift of leaders Liverpool .

The Portugese managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013 and has been linked with a return to the European champions , most recently following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui in October .

Asked about Mourinho’ s exit from United , Marcelo said on Tuesday : “ It’ s a shame because he is a great coach , who is without a club . Whether he returns to Madrid is not up to me . He has done great things for Real Madrid . ”
Santiago Solari was appointed Lopetegui ’ s replacement and has overseen nine victories from his 11 matches in charge . Solari was given a contract until June 2021 but that has not prevented speculation about a possible return for Mourinho.

“ I cannot worry that there is speculation about Madrid , ” Solari said . “ That happens every day . ”

Marcelo and Solari were speaking ahead of Real ’ s Club World Cup game on Wednesday against Kashima Antlers , the winners of last season ’ s AFC Champions League, which is contested by clubs in Asia and Australia .

Real , who have won the Club World Cup three times , will reach the final with a victory in Abu Dhabi but Solari again had to defend his treatment of Isco , who has struggled for matches since he took charge .

“ I love Isco , ” Solari said in a press conference . “ My job is to ensure everyone is at their best and that those who aren’ t , get there . It is a thankless and difficult task to choose who plays and who is left out . ”

Kashima Antlers finished third in Japan ’ s J 1 League last season but won the Champions League after beating Iran ’ s Persepolis in the final .

“ They are a fast , dynamic team that likes direct football , ” Solari said . “ They have fast strikers and will be a strong opponent . ”

( AFP )