Mourinho: La Liga not over yet

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says his team’s commanding lead over Barcelona is no guarantee of success in the La Liga title race.

Real hold a 10-point advantage over their arch-rivals, and can extend that margin further with a victory at home to Racing Santander on Saturday.

Barca meanwhile host third-placed Valencia a day later, with the pressure firmly on the holders as they try to keep their championship hopes alive.

While Real appear to have one hand on the trophy already, Mourinho said he would be happy if they eventually claim the title by just a single point.

“It is clear that the advantage we hold over the second-placed team in the table is very good for us, and it puts Barcelona in a complicated situation,” Mourinho said.

“We have to keep on working in the same way, because our rivals are a great team who can put together a string of good results.”

“We want to win every game and decide the league as soon as possible. However, it would also be a success if we eventually win the title with only one point.”

Mourinho was asked about off-season arrival Nuri Sahin, who has featured rarely following his switch from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund.

“Sahin? Like I have previously said about Lassana Diarra and Esteban Granero, I have 20 (outfield) players in my squad, and I can only use 10 of them,” he said.

According to Mourinho, Argentina forward Angel di Maria is set for a return to action after sitting out last week’s 4-2 victory over Levante.

“Di Maria was ready to play a few minutes against Levante, but we preferred to let him rest so that he is recovered fully. He trained well this week and he is ready to play tomorrow (Saturday).”