Mourinho tightens grip at Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho took a firm grip of the Spanish giants on Friday when he added the title of sporting director to his duties on the pitch, in succession to Jorge Valdano who was axed as director-general in May.

"Jose Mourinho has been nominated as sporting director," said a club statement.

It is a major victory for Mourinho who often clashed with Argentine Valdano last season when great rivals Barcelona clinched a Spanish League-Champions League double.

Real's only silverware last season was a first Kings Cup triumph in 18 years.