Real Madrid need to respect their Champions League quarter-final opponents APOEL Nicosia, despite the Cypriot club's more humble background, the Spanish giant's manager Jose Mourinho said on Saturday.
"APOEL are in the quarter-finals because they have earned it. They perhaps have a less prestigious profile than other teams but they're having a great Champions League and need to be respected," he told a news conference.
Real will be without midfielder Xabi Allonso for the first leg of the tie due to suspension but the Portuguese coach said he was unperturbed by the absence.
"Sahin, Lass (Diarra), Granero, all our midfield players can replace him. They are all natural replacements for Xabi," Mourinho told reporters before Real's league match with Malaga on Sunday.
Mourinho singled out Turkey's Nuri Sahin, who arrived at Real last summer but has not yet had much time on the pitch.
"Sahin is one option among many. We've called him up for tomorrow. His work at the club is an example of professionalism," he added.
The coach also denied rumours that his was set to announce that Sahin would be on loan next season.
"He will be with us next season, during which we will ask more of him," he added.
Source: AFP
