Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno insists the club’s manager Jose Mourinho has the support of the fans despite being jeered in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey win over Alcoyano.
Mourinho has had a mixed start to the season, with Real some 11 points behind rivals Barcelona in the title race, while they sit second in their UEFA Champions League group behind Borussia Dortmund.
The Portuguese had guided Real to the Spanish title last term but his reception on Tuesday suggested that wasn’t enough, in the context of rumours of a rift with the club’s directors.
However, Butragueno told AS: “The Madrid fans clearly still support Mourinho, and so does the club. We’re completely behind the coach.”
Meanwhile, Real assistant manager Aitor Karanka said the fans were entitled to voice their opinion but insisted Mourinho was fully committed to the club.
“The fans come to the stadium and have the right to express themselves,” Karanka said.
“The coaching staff just have to do their work. There will be people who like the coach and people who do not. What is clear that he is a professional. You hear a lot of things on the bench, but I do not talk about chants.
“I can just repeat that Mourinho gives everything for Real Madrid.”