Valdano denies Real Madrid rifts with Raul, Guti

Real Madrid sports chief Jorge Valdano has played down reports of a rift between striker Jose Maria Guti and trainer Vicente del Bosque.

The two were spotted having a major bust-up on the training ground during the week, but Valdano said: "Guti was very upset because he lost the training game. He turned on the referee, who happened to be Vicente Del Bosque."

"I'm not concerned about this."

"I am a former player, myself, and I have experienced these episodes 50,000 times."

Valdano also rejected reports of a fallout between president Florentino Perez and Raul.

"It is a lie," he said bluntly.

"Raul is a symbol of Real Madrid and of the club's youth system, he has become a world-class player."