Mourinho on Tchouaméni and Valverde training bust-up
Real Madrid's coach says he never had to mediate after last season's clash, insisting the two midfielders resolved their differences on their own.
José Mourinho said he never had to step in as peacemaker after Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde came to blows in training last season, insisting the pair have since sorted it out themselves.
Asked whether Valverde and Tchouaméni can play together, and whether he had given the matter thought since the end of last season, Mourinho said: "I did nothing, they did everything. That mutual support that exists in the squad, the friendship, the ability to win together, to lose together, to go to the bench angry but still support the team-mates who stay on the pitch... Without answering the question about the Valverde and Tchouaméni situation directly, I can say the atmosphere in the squad is excellent. And if I knew nothing about that situation, I would think they were best friends. Of course, when Aurélien arrived, I was on my guard, because I needed to know whether I would have to step in and become a minister for peace (laughs), but I did nothing. They sorted it all out themselves."
Mourinho, speaking to AS, gave a shorter version of the same account: "They sorted it all out themselves, I didn't have to get involved. I can say the atmosphere in the squad now is healthy. If I didn't know about that situation, I would think they were best friends. The lads settled it themselves."
Real Madrid have taken 9 points from their first four league matches and sit fourth in La Liga, 3 points behind leaders Barcelona.
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