Mourinho still has doubts over players

Jose Mourinho admits that he still does not feel 100 percent confident in his Real Madrid players.

The Spanish champions, who have started the La Liga season slowly with just four points from four games, looked disjointed last week in their loss to Sevilla.

A dramatic 3-2 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night in the opening round of Champions League group games was a considerable boost but the 49-year-old still has some doubts about the football his team is playing.

Speaking ahead of his team’s La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, Mourinho said: “We’ve shown great attitude in some big games but there have also been negative aspects. My team has not been consistently performing to their potential and I have some ongoing doubts.”

Nevertheless, Mourinho suggested that the outlook for Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano was good, though he was not expecting an easy tie.

“Last year it was a tough game here, so we’re expecting a difficult match. Against City the players found their hunger, and physical intensity. Hopefully they will take this level of responsibility into every game from now on,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mourinho refused to be drawn on a perceived strained relationship between himself and defender Sergio Ramos.

Mourinho left Ramos out of the side that secured victory over Manchester City in the Champions League, and praised the efforts of 19-year-old French defender Raphael Varane, who was a surprise inclusion.

“I liked the team against Manchester City. I liked how this week’s training went and I’m optimistic for tomorrow’s match, but we will see after that,” he said.

“I would explain why Ramos did not play, but if you let me, I ask a question: why do we not talk about Varane and why not a week ago were we talking about the frustration of Varane at not playing? Now, he has worked really hard and nobody talks about it. It’s a pleasure to answer you about Ramos but if you can, tell me why nobody talks about Varane.”