Casillas dismisses Mourinho rift fears

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has dismissed suggestions that Real Madrid's World Cup stars are on collision course with new coach Jose Mourinho.

New Bernabeu boss Mourinho has told the Real players involved in Spain's World Cup success in South Africa they must report back for pre-season training a week ahead of their previous schedule on August 2.

However, Casillas insists there are no problems between the likes of himself, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa and their new club coach.

"That's fine," he said when asked about the early return. "I have spoken to him a couple of times and I like his way of thinking.

"He wants the players to come back rested and ready to work. Being world champions makes you forget about everything."

Meanwhile, former coach Manuel Pellegrini has blamed Real Madrid's lack of success during his tenure on club president Florentino Perez.

Pellegrini was axed after just one season in the Santiago Bernabeu hot-seat after failing to reclaim the La Liga title from Barcelona and seeing his side exit the Champions League at the last 16 stage.

But after keeping his counsel over the summer, the Chilean coach has now pointed the finger of blame at the transfer policy employed by Perez in his second spell as Real president.

Perez sanctioned the big-money arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka last summer while allowing the likes of World Cup stars Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder to leave in cut-price deals.

"They sign the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position," stated the former Villarreal coach.

"It's no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don't have a pianist.

"Real Madrid have the best guitarists, but if I ask them to play the piano they won't be able to do it so well."