MADRID: Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka (pic) insists Jose Mourinho has no problem with any member of the staff at the club — amid reports of a falling out with general director Jorge Valdano.

Karanka, not Mourinho, took charge of yesterday's conference prior to tomorrow's Copa del Rey game against Levante.

"We want unity at the club, we are all in the same boat, and we want to do well against Levante. The manager (Mourinho) has no personal problem with anyone at the club," said Karanka.

"Like anywhere, there will be points of agreement, and points of disagreement. I see a great team. The manager has a great desire to go game by game. We will finish the year two points behind Barcelona, and I see him as more eager than ever.

"Nobody is comfortable in stressful situations, but you cannot take things out of proportion.

"It is not difficult for me to speak to the Press — being at this table, representing Real Madrid, gives me pride."

Meanwhile, Inter Milan will not return to their illustrious past and bring back Mourinho from Real as the Portuguese has no plans to quit his current job, insists spokesman Eladio Parames.

Mourinho was said to have held a meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti, who is in Madrid, though not for football related reasons.

However, reports claimed Moratti would find time to persuade Mourinho into returning and retake possession of the squad he left behind last summer.

"There was no meeting and there will not be any contact in Madrid between Mourinho and Moratti. It makes no sense," Parames told Ansa.it.

"Mourinho has a contract with Real and he will respect it.

"Inter? Speculation. I think it's difficult, but you can never say. It depends on the club, the season, but Mourinho has never left a club after just one year."

LONDON: Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the Premier League could cater for his future as he admits his penchant for English football while staying quiet over his time at Juventus.

The Italy international is expected to return from a long injury lay-off next month.

Reports suggested Buffon is still a wanted man in the Premier League, a competition he admires and desires.

"The Premier League fascinates me as many great players play there. I still think Serie A is still the most difficult competition though," he told BBC.

"My future? Now is not the time to speak about it."

Another veteran in striker Alessandro Del Piero is thinking ahead and wants Juventus to continue becoming a "reference point" in Serie A.

The Bianconeri failed to close the gap on league leaders AC Milan last weekend, drawing 1-1 with Chievo Verona.

"We close 2010 in a good position in the league and with the intention to improve more as soon as we come back," said Del Piero.

"I was unhappy at not being there in Verona as it was the first game that I have missed through injury in over a year. I had to stay at home and suffer. That goal was a real blow as I had hoped for a win to take us closer to Milan."

Parma are up next after the winter break and Del Piero insists he will be ready.

"I need a few days' rest to be available to return after Christmas on Jan 6 against Parma at Stadio Olimpico," he said.

"I am now thinking about returning in the best condition."

Defender Giorgio Chiellini was also disappointed to end the year with the draw against Chievo after Sergio Pellissier equalised in the dying minutes but is confident the Bianconeri will be back to their best following the winter break.

"The draw against Chievo leaves a bitter taste in our mouths as they equalised in injury time," said the former Fiorentina and Livorno player.

"Now we have some time off to recuperate all the energy we used in 2010 and then start up again."

Juventus remain a challenger for the Scudetto, sitting in fourth place in the standings after 17 matches.