Pandev tips Mourinho for European glory

Napoli striker Goran Pandev is backing Jose Mourinho to lead Real Madrid to glory in this season’s Champions League.

The Macedonia international was part of the Inter Milan side that recorded a historic treble under Mourinho in 2009/10 and he still has the utmost respect for the Portuguese coach.

While Pandev acknowledges that Madrid face stiff competition for this season’s Champions League crown from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, he still expects Mourinho to land the title.

“He is an extraordinary coach. The best of all,” the forward told Il Mattino.

“He can win the Champions League and my hope is that he does it again this year.

“Madrid are a great team. They are all great sides at the semi-final stage so it is difficult to make predictions, but Mourinho has great experience and is accustomed to winning.”

Napoli face a crucial Serie A clash with AC Milan on Sunday, knowing a victory at San Siro would propel them seven points clear of Massimiliano Allegri’s men as they chase a second-placed finish.

“During my years with Inter, it was a deeply felt derby for me, but now my thoughts are only of Napoli,” he said.

“It’s going to be a crucial match; very important. Milan are a great team with great champions. It will require a great performance on our part to win, but we are preparing well for the match.

“We want to claim what would be a big win to seal the deal in terms of second place.”