I´m the Real deal: Pellegrini

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has hit out at Real Madrid, reminding his former employers he has a better La Liga record than Jose Mourinho.

The 58-year-old took charge of the Spanish giants in June 2009 and under his guidance Real managed to claim 96 points in the league, their best ever performance.

Madrid still fell behind Barcelona in the league standings, however, which led to Pellegrini being replaced by Jose Mourinho at the end of the 2009/10 season.

With Mourinho in charge, Madrid finished second to Barca once again, but on 92 points, and the Malaga coach reminded his former club that it was he who had delivered their best effort in La Liga.

“I tried to achieve the best possible campaign with what I had in my hands,” Pellegrini told Onda Cero.

“It hurts many people, but it was the best campaign in Madrid’s history as far as points are concerned.”

Pellegrini stressed he was highly regarded by Madrid’s fans and players, and added that the coach of Real Madrid must always be on the same page as the president.

“The fans always supported me and every time I go to Madrid they keep supporting me,” he said.

“The past is absolutely forgotten, I do not bear a grudge with anyone.”

“I would have liked that things went a different way, but you have to accept what happened.”

“I always had a very good relationship with all the players.”

“At Madrid, if you think differently from the president, the one who has to leave is the coach.”

Malaga, who sit in fourth place in La Liga, travel to second-placed Levante this weekend.