Mourinho: I liked everything about Real performance

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has hailed his ‘fantastic’ team after they reclaimed top spot in LA Liga with a 4-0 win over Malaga.

A first-half hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo after Gonzalo Higuain had opened scoring early on was enough to secure the three points for Madrid despite Malaga’s improved efforts in the second half.

Real return to the head of La Liga after Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Sevilla, and Mourinho praised his team for their impressive all-round performance.

“The first half was fantastic,” Mourinho told AS. “Against Lyon, we also enjoyed a very complete game but the first half (against Malaga) was better.”

“I liked all of Madrid. We played one touch and two touch football very well, despite enduring very strong pressure.”

“My players were pressed very hard, but (in the end) we were very good, and I liked everything. We have goalscorers in many different positions and play a very varied game.”

Mourinho then went on to discuss the threat posed by the visitors, coached by former Madrid man Manuel Pellegrini, and he insisted that he has the utmost respect for both parties, despite reports of bad blood between the sides.

“I have always said I have respect for Malaga, and after leaving Real Madrid it is very difficult to train another team in Spain,” Mourinho said.

“I am not one to comment, but at Madrid, there are people who have words about him (Pellegrini). The players are still friends with him and I prefer people who speak well of him, as he is a good person.”