Mourinho training us hard, says Marcelo

Real Madrid’s new coach Jose Mourinho is training the squad hard, the Spanish club’s Brazilian defender Marcelo said Monday.

“Mourinho makes sure that we know we cannot ever relax during training and we are very happy with him,” the 22-year-old told a news conference.

“We train aggressively and with everything we’ve got. In order to win we must suffer in training. Mourinho is a good person. He speaks to all of us and doesn’t give anyone preferential treatment,” he added.

The squad started training under Mourinho’s guidance on Friday although the bulk of the team is still on leave after the World Cup.

During a practice match on Monday, Marcelo scored the opening goal after blowing past his marker and beating keeper Jerzy Dudek with a precise shot. Alex Fernandez pulled his team level after an assist by Karim Benzema.

“Our goal has always been to win titles and this season is no different. We train hard to win titles,” the Brazilian player said.

Mourinho has arrived in a blaze of glory after leading Inter Milan last season to the treble of domestic league and cup in Italy as well as the Champions League.

The Portuguese coach has been given a four-year contract and the brief of winning the Champions League within the next two years.