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Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid celebrates
José Mourinho's first season in charge at Real Madrid saw his side win the Copa del Rey, beating Barcelona in the final in April. Photograph: Reuters
José Mourinho's first season in charge at Real Madrid saw his side win the Copa del Rey, beating Barcelona in the final in April. Photograph: Reuters

José Mourinho wins Bernabéu battle to wield more power at Real Madrid

This article is more than 12 years old
Coach's role upgraded to 'head of football operations'
More control for Portuguese after Jorge Valdano exit

José Mourinho has seen his power base grow at Real Madrid after he was appointed as the club's head of football operations on Friday as part of a restructuring following the firing of Jorge Valdano as director general.

Mourinho was instrumental in Valdano's departure in May after a season of run-ins with the Argentinian, with the former Chelsea manager favouring an English-style club structure.

"I am not the one who turned Real Madrid into a battlefield," said Valdano after leaving the Bernabéu at the end of last season. "All my efforts this season were directed toward restraint.

"It has been a long time since I have spoken personally to Mourinho. We greet each other politely, but he sought to deal with people other than me.

"My responsibilities with the first team were reduced. I did not feel comfortable in that situation."

Mourinho enjoyed a moderately successful first season in La Liga, which saw his side defeat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final but lose to their arch rivals in the race for the Spanish title, and now seems to have got his wish to be in more complete control at the Bernabéu.

The Portuguese manager is also working closely with the sporting director, the former France and Real Madrid player Zinedine Zidane, who has also taken on a more active role since Valdano's exit.

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