Maradona hails Mourinho ability

Posted Tuesday, January 01, 2013 by ESPN

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes Jose Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world despite Real Madrid's poor end to the first half of the season.

Madrid go into the new year 16 points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and have been drawn against Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16 after finishing second in the group stages.

It represents a markedly different position than the one they were in at the start of 2012 when they were three points ahead of their arch-rivals and topped their group in last season's Champions League group stages.

The outspoken Spanish media have also repeatedly criticised Mourinho this year as reports of internal strife as well as his combative statements have raised questions as to his man management skills. Furthermore, Madrid could find themselves out of another competition as they were recently defeated by Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey round of 16 first leg.

Nevertheless, Maradona does not pay much heed to reports insisting that Mourinho's time at the club is coming to an end and stated he was personally impressed with watching the Portuguese in action.

“The results he has achieved speak volumes for his ability. I’ve seen him coaching and he’s top. He devotes a lot of attention to all the players on the team, from first to last,“ Maradona was quoted as saying at the Seventh International Sports Conference.

"I was a player who wanted to be known, but it’s a fine thing when a coach isn’t only concerned with you, but also with your teammates, because they are the ones who help you on the pitch.

“He’s earned respect because he fields the team he wants to and a good coach knows all his players.”

Club legend Alfredo di Stéfano also backed Mourinho and called on fans to support the coach in his quest for a tenth Champions League crown.

"He has a tough job on his hands. We have to support him and above all stick together because there’s a long way to go this season,” he told fans at a weekly webchat.

“Real Madrid is still in the fight for two trophies and I’m confident we’ll win the Champions League. Real Madrid needs to pull out all the stops in Europe.”

Madrid return to action with a match against Real Sociedad on January 6 and face Celta for the second leg three days later.