Mourinho keen on Coentrao - Portugese coach keen to build 'new era' with Real Madrid

Posted Sunday, June 05, 2011 by skysports.com

Mourinho keen on Coentrao - Portugese coach keen to build 'new era' with Real Madrid
Coentrao: Attracted Mourinho's attention this summer

Jose Mourinho has revealed an interest in bringing Benfica full-back Fabio Coentrao to Real Madrid.

The Portugese coach broke a month-long silence in a radio interview with Cadena Ser on Thursday and praised the versatility of the 23-year-old.

Coentrao has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs - including Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich - and Mourinho thinks a move to the Bernabeu would be ideal for the Portugese international.

Mourinho said: "He is a great player. I like him for his versatility, playing in all positions. Players like him are always welcome, and more so at a club as demanding as Madrid."

New era

Meanwhile, the former Chelsea boss believes his intentions to keep strikers Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain will help the Spanish side build "a new era in European football".

Mourinho announced that the 23-year-old duo remain very much part of his plans and described both players as "non-transferable" amid much speculation.

And the 48-year-old also praised the likes of new signings Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop - midfielders from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively - who look set to be part of a big future plan for Mourinho.

"Sahin was the best in the Bundesliga, a competition that is growing. He is another kid with a great future, like Ozil, Marcelo, Di Maria, Benzema," Mourinho said.

Power

"We are a young team and this Real Madrid, within three or four years, may mark a new era in European football."

The former Chelsea boss' self-imposed silence comes after receiving a five-match ban for his conduct during and after the controversial Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

And Mourinho, who is taking the case to CAS, defended his actions while explaining a shift in his role following the sacking of managing director Jorge Valdano.

'I've been sanctioned without knowing why. I won't have any more power. I'll be the coach and nothing more," he added.