Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho: I liked everything about our performance against Malaga

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by Goal.com

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has hailed his 'fantastic' team after putting on a dominant show to down Malaga 4-0 in their Primera Division encounter at La Rosaleda on Saturday.

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.

Subsequently, the Portuguese boss has voiced his pleasure at how complete the Copa del Rey holders performed on the night, while reserving special acclaim for their display in the first period.

"The first half was fantastic," Mourinho was quoted as saying after the match by AS. "Against Lyon, we also enjoyed a very complete game but the first half [against Malaga] was better.

"I liked all of Madrid," he continued. "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," said the ex-Inter coach.

"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."

Real Madrid temporarily move up to first-place in La Liga following their resounding victory, but await Barcelona's result against Sevilla.