Madrid, Jan 25 (IANS) Spanish football giant Real Madrid has short-listed Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to replace Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was booed by section of Madrid fans at the Bernabeu in their 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao Sunday following reports of a rift between him and captain Iker Casillas and vice captain Sergio Ramos.
The Daily Mail reported Wednesday that Wenger or Loew could replace Mourinho at the Spanish Club.
“I don’t know if I’ll be at Real Madrid next season,” the Portuguese was quoted as saying.
Mourinho earlier claimed the cold reception at home of Real Madrid had not affected him.
“I am not bothered by the whistles at me. It’s not a problem. It’s the first time it’s ever happened to me. There’s a first time for practically everything,” he said.
“(Zinedine) Zidane was whistled at here. Ronaldo has been whistled at here. Cristiano (Ronaldo), who is the latest Golden Boot winner, has also been whistled at. Why can’t I?
“Zidane responded with his football, the same as Ronaldo and Cristiano. I work hard to be able to respond like they did some day, but there may come a day when the fans are sad.”
Meanwhile, Wenger, who had turned down the move to the Spanish capital in 2009, might be lured to take up the offer this time with Arsenal five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and therefore could miss out on the Champions League qualification.
