Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes his decision to omit Iker Casillas was a success despite his side s 3-2 loss to Malaga.
Mourinho s selection of Antonio Adan between the sticks instead of the club captain caused many fans to raise eyebrows, and Real subsequently lost at La Rosaleda Stadium.
But Mourinho played down the defeat and hailed the influence of coaches in modern day football.
Maybe it looked like a bad week, but the outcome was fantastic, he told reporters in the United Arab Emirates.
Football changes greatly, but there is one thing that doesn t – the teams continue to be picked by the coaches.
Real return to Champions League action in February against 2010/11 finalists Manchester United in the last 16 of the competition.
Speaking about the tie, Mourinho said: It ll be a thrilling clash and we re keen to beat a team who have a different philosophy to Real Madrid.
The former Chelsea manager also spoke about former United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who will likely play a key role in the matches, and Mourinho praised the forward.
He s a star, everyone wants a player like him because of his character and his determination, he said.
Everyone knows he s the best and they are right behind him. His natural habitat is at the world s biggest teams.
Mourinho also rubbished reports of him taking Carlo Ancelotti s job at Paris Saint-Germain any time soon, and wished the Italian all the best at Parc des Princes.
My future at PSG? I do not think so, he said.
I think that Ancelotti is good and will be very successful in Paris.
