Getafe vs Real Madrid preview - Ozil leaps to Mourinho defence

Posted Saturday, February 04, 2012 by PA

Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil has launched a stout defence of coach Jose Mourinho ahead of their Primera Division trip to local rivals Getafe.

The Portuguese has been under pressure of late - despite his side holding a seven-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table.

Reports of discontent within the camp have emerged of late, particularly in light of their exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Barca.

Mourinho is reportedly set on leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season, and was this morning linked with a return to Chelsea, where Andre Villas-Boas is struggling to make an impact.

But Ozil has enjoyed playing under the former Porto coach.

"Mourinho builds my confidence and I've become a more intelligent player on the pitch thanks to him," he told kicker magazine.

"I'm very grateful to him for helping me recover my potential.

"He speaks to me often and supports me. He shows me I'm an important player for him on this team."

Ozil warned his team-mates they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas despite their cushion at the summit.

Barcelona drew at Villarreal last weekend, while Madrid were 3-1 winners over Real Zaragoza.

Ozil added: "A seven-point lead may seem large, but it could disappear with only two mishaps. We must concentrate on playing well.

"Barcelona won't catch up with us if we keep up the good work."

One team who have fared slightly better than Real against Barcelona this season are Getafe, the only team to inflict a defeat on them this season.

"That day I got the most congratulations of my life - not from Getafe fans, but Real Madrid," coach Luis Garcia told AS.

"I went down the street and people gave me congratulations. I asked people if they were Getafe fans and most, if not all, said, 'No, I'm from Madrid, but thanks man'."

Garcia has huge admiration for Madrid's achievements this season.

"What Real Madrid have done this year is crazy," he said. "Their record of points, goals...

"Madrid are a formidable team, but can they can be beaten."