Di Stefano wants support for Mourinho

Former Real Madrid forward Alfredo Di Stefano says coach Jose Mourinho should be supported during the difficult times the club is enduring.

The La Liga champions are already 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, and have a tough task at hand as they face Manchester United in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Real Madrid recently succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to Malaga in a game in which captain Iker Casillas was relegated to the bench.

In addition, there have been rumours star forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be contemplating an exit from the club.

Di Stefano called for support for Mourinho, and reaffirmed his belief that Real are capable of fighting for titles.

“Mourinho is doing a difficult job and you have to support him. Especially as there is still so much to be achieved this season,” the 86-year-old told Marca.

“We still have to fight for titles and I am confident that we can win the Champions League.”

Real Madrid resume La Liga action on January 6, when they meet Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.