Real Madrid's Raul Albiol: Jose Mourinho Has Given Us Direction

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol says that all the players are behind their coach Jose Mourinho and states that it was the Portuguese who set the players into the right direction.

Mourinho was appointed the coach of the Spanish giants in the summer and going into the business end of the season Madrid are in with a chance of winning the treble.

Albiol, who joined Madrid in 2009 from Valencia, endured a barren debut season at the Bernabeu under Manuel Pellegrini but seems optimistic of success under Mourinho in 2010-11.

"I am grateful to the coach for having given me the chance to play," the 25-year-old is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website. "I have been able to get back into a rhythm and prove that I am prepared for anything."

"We are all very happy with Mourinho. I think what really matters is that he got us all to row in the same direction. He has what players think is crucial, and that is to tell you how it is to your face and to push you."

"He always has us on the brink so that we are always focused and plugged into the team. You have to be prepared at all times."

Madrid confront arch-rivals Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey in April at the Mestalla and Albiol is happy to return to his old ground in Valencia.

"I can’t wait for the Copa final because it is being played close to my home," enthused the Spain international.

"I used to be ball boy at Mestalla and I remember seeing great Champions League matches there with teams like Arsenal and Leeds United. It is a very special stadium."