MADRID — Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho Monday dismissed a report in Spanish sports daily Marca that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season after a below-par start to its La Liga title defense. Marca's front page story, headlined “Divorce on the horizon", suggested Mourinho's exit was looming after a deterioration in the Portuguese manager's relations with Real president Florentino Perez. Under a picture of a broken heart, the report claimed: “Jose Mourinho will not coach Real Madrid next season". But Mourinho dismissed the story as having “no foundation". He added: “As I've always said, my relationship with the president is very good." Following its sluggish start to the season the Spanish champion is lagging 11 points behind Barcelona and five points behind second-placed city rival Atletico Madrid. Perceived disquiet at the Bernabeu has led to former Chelsea boss Mourinho's name being linked to a return to the English Premier League, in particular as a possible successor to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Ferguson is a fan of Mourinho. When asked by British broadcaster ITV if he could replace him in the Old Trafford hot-seat, the Scot replied: “He can manage anywhere, absolutely. Mourinho was careful not to add fuel to the Old Trafford fire Monday, saying: “I regard these comments the result of the friendship and mutual respect that each of us has for the other." — Agencies
