Mourinho aims to keep Real at the top

19 August 2012 02:20

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho refused to talk about transfer targets ahead of their opening La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday.

The reigning Spanish champions have been widely tipped to sign Tottenham and Croatia international midfielder Luka Modric but the deal has yet to be agreed.

And with Real looking to begin their La Liga defence on a winning note at the Bernabeu, Mourinho says he is solely focused on achieving that aim.

"The transfer market is open until the end of this month," the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach said.

"I have given a list of players to purchase to the club, although everything is open at the moment.

"I am saying it's open both for coming here and for leaving the club. Both ways are possible, leaving and coming but today this is not important, the most important thing today is focusing on tomorrow's match.

"The squad that we have now assembled is very good."

Real were equally as competitive in the UEFA Champions League last season.

The nine-time winners were on track for spot in the final but suffered a 3-1 defeat on penalties against Bayern Munich in the semi-final after the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate.

However, Mourinho believes his side were the best in Europe last season.

"It is difficult to say but my team have reached a big step," he said.

"In my opinion, we were the best team in Europe last season.

"We won the most difficult league and we did that with incredible numbers and with a fantastic way of playing."

Despite falling short in the Champions League, Real dominated La Liga securing 100 points and finishing nine clear of fierce rivals Barcelona.