Mourinho takes fall for Real slump

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has taken the blame for his side’s lacklustre start to their La Liga title defence.

The Spanish giants suffered their second defeat of the campaign to Sevilla on Saturday and sit eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Mourinho has taken the pressure off his side ahead of their Champions League opener with Manchester City on Tuesday by claiming responsibility for Real’s stuttering form.

“I am the only one to blame,” he told TVE.

“The responsibility for the terrible start to the season is on me. Real Madrid can lose, but not the way we have been losing.”

Mourinho added that he disagrees with calls for his side to focus solely on the Champions League on the basis that their domestic challenge is over.

“I do not think a club like Madrid can play a single competition, and decide to stop trying in one to focus playing on the Champions League,” the Portuguese said.

Mourinho also denied rumours that he might leave the club before his contract is finished.

“I’m already preparing the 2013/2014 season, here things are prepared professionally.”