Cristiano Ronaldo has come out in support of coach Manuel
Pellegrini and hopes he remains in charge of Real Madrid for
several more seasons.
Pellegrini has come under fire from several quarters, despite
Madrid lying second in the Primera Division and ready to pounce
should Barcelona slip up.
Reports suggest club president Florentino Perez is lining up
Jose Mourinho to replace Pellegrini in the summer with Madrid
likely to end another season empty-handed despite last summer's
spending spree of 250million euros.
England coach and former Madrid boss Fabio Capello has also
been touted as a possible target but Ronaldo is adamant he wants
Pellegrini to stay.
"I'm going to be honest. I like people who have a winning
mentality," he said.
"And with that I'm not referring to Mourinho or another
coach.
"I am very happy with Pellegrini. He's doing very well and
helping us a lot.
"For me he is the most important coach. It's not my thing to
talk about other coaches. You have to have respect for Pellegrini.
"Let's hope he stays at Real Madrid one, two or three more
years."
Madrid have narrowed the gap on champions Barcelona at the
top of the standings to just one point, with five games remaining.
And Ronaldo is confident of lifting the trophy come the end
of the season.
The former Manchester United player added: "Is there still a
title race? Of course.
"We are in a better situation than last week. Now we are only
a point off and everything is possible in football.
"You have to fight until the end. All the players think it's
possible.
"I am confident of winning the remaining five matches and
confident that that way we will win the league."
