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Michael Laudrup has resigned as coach of La Liga side Real Mallorca.
Michael Laudrup has resigned as coach of Primera Division side Real Mallorca, indicating his relationship with club owner Lorenzo Serra Ferrer had become untenable.
Laudrup made the announcement at a press conference this morning - hours after the dismissal of his assistant Erik Larsen, who was sacked last night after criticising Serra Ferrer.
"This situation cannot continue like this. From now on, Mallorca will be whatever it is Serra Ferrer wants," Laudrup said.
The 47-year-old former Denmark international had previously expressed his frustration at not having been able to add quality to his squad during the transfer window, particularly after the departure of Jonathan de Guzman to Villarreal.
Larsen went a step too far for the Mallorca board, though, when he reportedly described Serra Ferrer to www.sporten.dk as a "bad person" and someone "unfit to lead the club".
Laudrup acknowledged last week managers being sacked was "a part of football" and his side had "no other option but to win on Sunday" at home to Sociedad - which they duly did, 2-1, to end a three-game losing streak in which they had failed to score a goal.
He revealed at the brief press conference, during which he did not take questions, he had been contemplating his future for a while but did not want to leave with the team in the lower reaches of the standings.
"Why go now that you've won a game and you're in the middle of the table?" he questioned. "I had long been thinking about this, but I could not do it with the team in a bad situation. "Now I can quit being in the middle of the standings.
"You want to ask me, 'Why did you do it if there was only one person who didn't want you?' "Stay, and if things go badly they sack you and give you all the money from your contract.
"But I did not come here for the money. I came for the project; Mallorca were a club in need, that had to start from zero and I looked forward to working with many youth players and veterans."
The highly-decorated former Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder, who was five years ago voted Denmark's best player ever, sealed a return to Spanish football when he took up the Mallorca reins in July 2010.
His discontent at off-field matters has become all too apparent, though, prompting him to call time on his reign after just 14 months.
"It's yet another day we're here talking about things other than the games being played," he was quoted as saying at the press conference.
"Yesterday (Monday) one of my assistants was fired. Once again, it is very difficult - if not impossible - to find the peace required to work here.
"The team is hurt by this situation. What we need is calm and I cannot go home every night, angry, disappointed. I have a family."
Mallorca president Jaume Cladera responded by telling club website www.rcdmallorca.es: "We have spoken (to Laudrup) to resolve the situation in the best interests of the club.
"We are negotiating with his representative and looking at a variety of options to reach an agreement.
"As yet we haven't agreed on a financial package but we hope it won't take too long to do so. There has been no official resignation as of yet - he is just doing what he thinks is in the best interests of the club."
Laudrup started his managerial career as assistant to Denmark boss Morten Olsen in 2000 before taking over at the Brondby helm two years later. He guided the Danish club to a league and cup double in 2005.
A short but impressive stint followed with Getafe in 2007-08, during which he took the club to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and the final of the Copa del Rey, and then an ill-fated seven-month spell with Spartak Moscow which ended in dismissal in April 2009.
La Liga Team of the Week Goals, goals, and more goals in La Liga this weekend. ESPNSTAR's Kelvin Tan takes a look at the stars in La Liga after this round of fixtures.
It was just fantastic watching for the football neutral as wonderful goals were seen in La Liga last weekend, and given the quality of attackers, it made sense to give more kudos to the players who displayed their attacking nous, as they left defenders in Spain looking rather flat-footed.
Goalkeeper
Roberto (Real Zaragoza)
Roberto pulled out yet another stupendous save to earn Real Zaragoza a draw at La Romareda, especially after Serbastian Fernandez almost nicked a goal after just seven minutes of being on the pitch.However, he was to be denied by the Zaragoza custodian, whose superb reaction save managed to save the point for his side, especially given that it was the dying moments of the fixture.
Adil Rami (Valencia)
Valencia's unbeaten run in the La Liga came to an end on Saturday, as they finally crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla, but defender Adil Rami and had an excellent game despite their loss, having played out his lungs in central defence.
Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia)
Mathieu's contribution in attack down the flanks against Sevilla was unquestionable, and he was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet after coming close on several occasions.
Martin Demichelis (Malaga)
The 30-year-old Argentine turned back the clock with a good performance to earn his side a 0-0 draw with Real Zaragoza, and almost scored but for a header that was just a tad too high.
Midfielders
Fran Rico (Granada)
Rico salvaged a point for Granadain the second half with a goal of some beauty to bring life to the game in an otherwise scrappy fixture against Osasuna. Granada got their qualiser when a perfectly weighted ball was crossed into the area for Rico to score a technically adoit volley past Osasuna's stranded custodian, and the goal certainly warrants his entry into this week's Team of the Week.
Jose Barkero (Levante)
The Levante midfielder has been in fine fettle this season, and showed off his technical quality by curling a wondering shot high and beyond the Espanyol goalkeeper, which helped his side to a 3-1 victory.
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)
Since his move from faltering Premier League side Arsenal, the young Spaniard has been on fire to prove that he was worth all the anticipation at Catalunya, and once again showed his quality has his passing tore Atletico Madrid to bits, and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet after his chip hit the bar.
Striker
Freddie Kanoute (Sevilla)
Kanoute made the difference for Sevilla as they finally broke down Valencia in La Liga, putting his side in front after just 18 minutes, courtesy of a wonderful Jesus Navas pass. The pace and power that he brought to Sevilla was one reason why Valencia could not attack with ease, especially with Kanoute always lurking with possibility.
Nilmar (Villarreal)
A second-half equaliser from Villarreal's Nilmar cancelled out Igor Gabilondo's goal for Athletic Bilbao and ensured the Basque side's winless streak in the La Liga under new coach Marcelo Bielsa continued, and Nilmar's predatory streak made the difference, as he made sure to be on the end of a Giuseppe Rossi dribble to hit the back of the net.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi's hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-0 rout of Atletico Madrid has seen him move closer to overhauling Laszlo Kubala in the club's goalscoring charts. Messi, who hit his 12th career hat-trick against Atletico, has now scored 192 goals for Barca, just four behind Kubala's haul of 196. Messi`s treble saw him go stride-for-stride with Ronaldo who scored three for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano, and was his 12th hat-trick for the club. There's really no need to explain further, is there?
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Ronaldo helped 10-man Real Madrid end a disappointing week with a 6-2 derby triumph over Rayo Vallecano, and the Portuguese completed his second treble in five league games this season - having netted seven in all competitions last term. The pacy winger even scored with a cheeky penalty down the centre of the goal after he had been tripped trying to round the Rayo custodian. Sheer class.
Casillas: No bust-up with Ronaldo Real Madrid custodian Iker Casillas has rubbished reports that he was involved in a training ground dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The La Liga giants have cruised to a 3-0 victory over Ajax Amsterdam in their UEFA Champions League Group D clash, and earlier reports indicated that the Madrid duo had a heated exchanged during a practice session before their win.
However, speaking to Marca, Casillas laughed off the rumours.
"I've been a professional for 12 years now and there are always rumours like this. I can only laugh about it. Amid jokes we have said: 'Where are the photos? because we want to see them".
The Spain custodian also revealed his thoughts about their spanking of Ajax.
"These are the types of games that we should be winning," he said. "Ajax proved themselves to be worthy opponents from the start when they looked to create chances and control the game.
"However, we were good tonight. We will now be looking to win the rest of our home games and want to do well in the back-to-back matches against Lyon we have coming up", the 30-year-old concluded.
Real Madrid have won both group fixtures in Group D, and look likely to make the knock-out stages should they continue in this vein of form.
Real Madrid appear to have an ace up their sleeve as they look to win the race to sign Santos forward Neymar.
Neymar has been deeply impressed by Madrid's La Liga rivals Barcelona playing style and he is thought to be favouring a move to the Catalans once he decides to leave Brazil.
However, former Madrid and Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos has been trying to convince the teenage star to snub the Nou Camp for the Bernabeu.
"I told Neymar to stop messing around and join Real Madrid when I spoke to him last week," Carlos told Radio Marca.
"I said he ought to sign for them now. However, he is like a superstar in Brazil and people are stopping him from leaving.
"Neymar is like the Cristiano Ronaldo of Santos - a leading player, but I hope he signs for Madrid."
Neymar, an up and coming Brazil starlet, and Carlos, a legend of the national team, are known to have a close relationship with the pair in contact with each other on a weekly basis.
It was just over two months ago when the 38-year-old caused a stir by revealing his plans to bring Neymar to Anzhi Makhachkala by way of his close connections with the club's billionaire owner.
Carlos now plays in Russia for Anzhi.
Publicly, the move never seemed to gain momentum and it is now clear Carlos hopes to push Neymar in the direction of the Spanish capital.
Carlos has just been appointed as Anzhi's player-coach following the sacking of previous manager Gadzhi Gadzhiev.
Anzhi lie seventh in the Russian Premier League with five games remaining.
Malaga claimed top spot with a comeback 3-2 win, after Valencia had earlier risen to the La Liga summit on Saturday.
Valencia returned to winning ways and went provisionally top of the table after a 1-0 home win over Granada.
Unai Emery's side won their first three league matches this season, before a creditable 2-2 draw at home to Barcelona and a narrow loss to Sevilla to drop their unbeaten streak.
The Costa Blanca club drew at home to Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, but they took all three points courtesy of Sergio Canales' early strike at the Estadio de Mestalla.
They took the lead just three minutes in when Pablo Piatti's backheel found Canales, who rocketed a left-foot strike from beyond the area into the bottom right-hand corner to get the locals off to the ideal start.
Jeremy Mathieu then shot wide and Roberto Soldado saw a header saved as Valencia looked to double their advantage, but Dani Benitez forced Valencia shot-stopper Vicente Guaita into a fine stop at the other end for Granada.
Canales' effort proved sufficient in the finish, sending Valencia top with 13 points from their six games.
Malaga claimed victory in the late kick-off over Getafe, with the hosts at Estadio La Rosaleda only claiming the lead in second-half injury time.
Pedro Leon put the visitors ahead on 55 minutes with a superbly hit left-foot volley from outside the area, only for Dutch veteran Ruud van Nistelrooy to nod home his side's response nine minutes later.
Nicolas Fedor put Getafe back in front with a goal in the 75th minute despite replays showing the Venezuelan's header had come off his hand, but the sending off of Algerian international Mehdi Lacen moments later handed Malaga a lifeline.
Italian veteran Enzo Maresca equalised for the home side, before former Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista netted a late winner to take Malaga top of the table on goal difference from Valencia.
Elsewhere, Osasuna were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Mallorca at home, leaving the sides level on seven points.
Real Zaragoza led twice but could not hold on for victory with 10 men, as Villarreal fought back to snare a 2-2 draw at their Camp El Madrigal home.
Hernan Perez scored an 84th-minute equaliser after Italian defender Maurizio Lanzaro was red-carded four minutes earlier.
Racing Santander came from behind to draw 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano, with Adrian's second-half strike cancelling out Tamudo's opener for the promoted club.
Fabregas out with hamstring tear Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to be out for around three weeks after suffering a hamstring tear, the European champions have announced.
Fabregas, who has enjoyed a fine start to life at the Nou Camp since his summer switch from Arsenal, sustained the injury during on Saturday morning's training ahead of the club's La Liga trip to Sporting Gijon on Sunday.
The injury mean Fabregas will not only miss the Sporting game, but it also likely to be out of Spain's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Scotland on October 7 and 11 respectively, plus the subsequent club games against Racing Santander in La Liga and Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League.
If all goes as expected, Fabregas could return to action in the league clash with Sevilla on the weekend of October 22.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has confirmed Karim Benzema will miss Sunday's trip to face Espanyol in La Liga, due to injury.
The France striker suffered a groin strain and will be out of action for at least two weeks, according to the Portuguese tactician.
"Benzema is injured and cannot play - he has an injury that will keep him out for a couple of weeks, so he will miss the Espanyol game and possibly Betis too," the former Inter coach told reporters in his press conference.
Benzema is likely to be replaced by fellow front man Gonzalo Higuain, and Mourinho was full of praise for the Argentine hitman, who has endured his fair share of injury problems of late.
"Higuain started a week ago against Rayo (Vallecano) and scored. It is difficult to compare a player like Benzema, who had a fantastic pre-season, with another (Higuain) who came back from complicated surgery and had a non-existent pre-season," he added.
"Higuain's statistics are excellent on the field and our opponents know he has goals in him."
Mourinho also spoke of including Kaka and Mesut Oezil in the same starting line-up, after both impressed in the 3-0 Champions League win against Ajax on Tuesday.
"I liked the last game because there were two players who always wanted the ball and had the cool heads needed to control the game. I liked both of their responses," he said.
"Kaka is a fantastic player who has had some difficult times of late and we will have to go easy with him because we do not want to spoil the work we are doing."
Mourinho said while his side would play with their usual attacking flair on Sunday, Espanyol's ability to exploit the counter-attack must come into their tactical calculations.
"The team are not scared of any opponent. They obviously have to study their adversary and probably will need to make slight changes in their style depending on their rival's strengths and weaknesses, but the philosophy is the same as well as the style of play," he said.
"We are going to have a game that will be open, as we will have to attack and defend."
La Liga wrap: Barca on top, Real thump Espanyol 3 October 2011
Barcelona regained top spot in La Liga with a narrow 1-0 win away to bottom side Sporting Gijon on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola's men needed only a strike from Brazilian defender Adriano in the 12th minute - just his second goal for the club and his first in the Spanish top flight - to secure all three points.
The goal came when Xavi fired a blistering shot on the Gijon goal, with the ball coming back off the upright after goalkeeper Juan Pablo Colinas was beaten.
But Adriano was on hand to hammer home the opener - and the winner - for the three-time reigning champions.
Colinas ensured Gijon remained in the contest, however, as he denied Thiago with a reflex save from close range.
Barca again overtook Levante on goal difference at the La Liga summit, having temporarily lost it on Sunday after Juan Ignacio's men had earlier taken a 1-0 away win from Real Betis. Juanlu scored the winner for Levante at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Elsewhere, Gonzalo Higuain struck a hat-trick as Real Madrid stormed to a 4-0 win away to Espanyol to move into third on the table.
Higuain had returned to the starting line-up for the injured Karim Benzema, and he validated his coach Jose Mourinho's pre-match praise by scoring a treble in the runaway victory.
Former Espanyol midfielder Jose Callejon also netted for Real - his first for his new club - after star Cristiano Ronaldo put the substitute through on goal in one of his two assists for the game.
Real have scored 13 goals in their past three games in all competitions - a vast improvement on their three games prior, in which they scored only one goal.
Neither side could find a winner in Atletico Madrid's goalless draw with Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon.
Athletic Bilbao earned their first league victory of the campaign with a 2-1 away win over Real Sociedad.
Spain international Fernando Llorente scored a brace for the Basque club, as they moved out of the relegation zone into 16th spot on the table.
La Liga Team of the Week It was an exciting weekend in Spain as both Barcelona and Real Madrid continued their assault for the pinnacle of La Liga, with both sides notching up victories to keep pace with surprise package Levante. We pick the players who made things happen for their sides.
Goalkeeper
Roberto Jimenez (Real Zaragoza)
Despite going down to ten men, Real Zaragoza managed to cling to a 2-2 draw against Villarreal, thanks to the heroics of Jimenez. The Yellow Submarine will rue the presence of the custodian, as he first denied Cani in the first half, and then stopped Giuseppe Rossi's shot with a brilliant save in the 87th minute to help his side to the draw.
Defenders Jordi Figueras (Rayo Vallecano)
The former Rubin Kazan midfielder showed why Rayo snapped him up on loan from Rubin Kazan with a brilliant challenge on Racing Santander's Pape Dioup to help his side to a crucial 1-1 draw.
Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia)
The Frenchman put in a solid display for Valencia to help them sneak away with a 1-0 win over Granada, and also overlapped to put in several deadly crosses that his strikers failed to put away for a more convincing victory.
Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)
Spotting visiting keeper Gorka Iraizoz off his line, the 20-year-old let fly from just beyond the halfway line to score a spectacular first goal of his career. Beckham would have been proud of his goal, and Martinez should be too.
Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Missing the attacking threats of Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Ibrahim Afellay because of injuries, Barcelona would have been aware that defence was a priority in their 1-0 win over Sporting Gijon, and Alves showed that awareness as he helped his side to an important clean sheet. He was also unlucky to have missed out on an assist when he latched onto a rebound in the second half and played it for Seydou Keita to score, only to have the referee flag him offside.
Midfielders
Adrain (Racing Santander)
Adrian scored Racing Santander's first goal since the opening weekend of La Liga to claim a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano. The former Getafe midfielder was brought on at half-time to replace Alexandros Tziolis and made almost an immediate impact as he slid in to divert Oscar Serrano's cross into the net.
Julio Baptista ( Malaga)
An overhead goal is always worth a place in this column, and the ex-Arsenal midfielder showed off some Brazilian flair when he scored Malaga's winner in injury time to complete a stunning late comeback for his side against Getafe.
Cristiano Ronaldo ( Real Madrid)
The Portuguese forward was clearly hungry for a goal, even trying efforts from as far out as 25 and 20 yards against Espanyol, but just couldn't get on the scoresheet. However, he did show his class by providing an assist for Jose Callejon, after out-pacing the Espanyol defence and teeing him up with a one on one to score against his former employers.
Strikers
Pedro Munitis (Racing Santander)
The dimunitive forward showed his quality for his side in the second half, and his lovely floated pass over the defence that Oscar Serrano attacked at the back post was brilliant. At 1.67 metres, he is one of the shortest players in La Liga, and is best known for his fighting spirit, which was lauded by Santander fans at the end of the game.
Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)
Fernando Llorente's brace earned Athletic Bilbao their first win of the season at the Estadio Anoeta, scoring in each half to sink Real Sociedad and earn Marcelo Bielsa the first victory of his reign at the sixth time of asking. The Spaniard showed off his technical skills in the 70th minute, volleying home from inside the penalty area after being picked out by Fernando Amorebieta.
Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
Gonzalo Higuain gave Read Madrid manager Jose Mourinho a firm reminder of his goalscoring prowess, scoring a hat-trick against Espanyol. Higuain grabbed the first of the game after 17 minutes and added two more in the second half, and the highlight would have been his second, after Alvaro Arbeloa picked out his run with a well-judged ball over the top, with the Argentina forward allowing it to bounce before producing a glorious first-time finish into the far corner.
Wenger: Kaka needs more playing time
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is back to his best, but needs to seek more playing time in the star-studded squad.
Mourinho banned for eye gouge Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been handed a two-match ban for his role in the brawl that marred the Spanish Supercopa second leg against Barcelona in August.
Negredo pens Sevilla extension Sevilla have announced striker Alvaro Negredo has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2016.
Ronaldo: Relax, Real will beat Barca Read Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has confidently predicted that his side will beat Barcelona this season.
"Ozil hasn't reached peak for Real" Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil has not reached his peak yet, according to his father, Mustafa Ozil.
Caparros unveiled as Real Mallorca boss Joaquin Caparros has been unveiled as the new coach of Real Mallorca.
Mourinho: Sahin return imminent Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has revealed that summer signing Nuri Sahin will be returning from injury shortly.
Atletico apologize for Puerta chants Atletico Madrid have issued a public apology for the offensive chanting by their fans about deceased Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta.
Hiddink: Sahin better off at Dortmund Turkey coach Guus Hiddink believes that Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin would have benefited more if he stayed at Borussia Dortmund.
Afellay sidelined for six months Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has undergone an operation on his damaged knee and will be sidelined for around six months.
Knee operation for Villarreal's Nilmar Villarreal striker Nilmar will undergo an operation on a right knee cyst on Tuesday, the La Liga club have announced.
Zidane: Mourinho staying in Madrid
Real Madrid director of football Zinedine Zidane has quashed rumours linking coach Jose Mourinho with a move to Paris St Germain (PSG).
Falcao revels in Atletico lone role Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao says he has improved as a player since joining the Spanish side from Porto in the summer.
Schuster: Ronaldo less selfish now
Former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster believes Cristiano Ronaldo has become less selfish and more of a team player.
Rosell aggrieved at Barca sanctions
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has described the punishments his club received for incidents during this summer's European Super Cup in Monaco as "unfair" and "excessive".
Guardiola wants freedom with Barca
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says he does not want to be tied down on a long-term contract because he needs to feel free to decide his future.
Barcelona hit by huge cash fine
Barcelona have been fined 110,000 euros for "various offences" during the European Super Cup in Monaco this summer.
Alonso: Madrid on par with Barca
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso believes his side are on the same level as bitter rivals Barcelona.
Kaka gives thanks to Mourinho
Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has credited Jose Mourinho for his impressive return to form.
Ronaldo: Neymar, move to Europe
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has advised teenage star Neymar to try his luck in Europe.
De Boer: I would turn down Barca
Ajax Amsterdam manager Frank de Boer has said he would turn down even Barcelona in order to stay with the Dutch giants.
Roig: Garrido right man for Villarreal
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has backed under-fire coach Juan Carlos Garrido to turn round the team's poor early-season form.
"Mourinho is best coach in the world"
Ex-Porto striker Benni McCarthy has praised Real Madrid manager as being the "best coach" in the world.
Arsenal, Barca eye Valencia youngster
Valencia are desperately trying to hang on to Francisco Alcacer as both Arsenal and Barcelona aim to swoop for the young star.
Casillas in the running for top gong
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas could soon leave a lasting impression on the football fraternity.
Alonso can't wait for Sahin return
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Turkish international Nuri Sahin once the latter fully recovers from injury.
"Barca will try to keep Guardiola"
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has admitted that the Catalans will have to do their best to keep Pep Guardiola at the club.
French legend Zinedine Zidane has started a two-year university diploma to become a football manager.
According to reports in the Sun, the ex-Juventus and Real Madrid star will even consider the idea of taking the top job for his nation.
Zidane said: "France manager? Why not? It would not be bad. Anything is possible in life."
The Frenchman enrolled into the Centre of Law and Sports Finances at Limoges, with ex-Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt one of his classmates.
Course joint-chief Gerard Coudier gave an insight towards how Zidane would be fitting into the programme, saying: "Former players speak three languages fluently - they know what a player's contract is all about, they understand how agents and intermediaries work and they also know the limits.
"What characterises Zidane, a man completely successful in his life, is curiosity. He doesn't need to come here, it's not an imperative need.
"That shows that he comes here, curious and modest at the same time, because he wants to learn. It's a dream to teach someone like that."
The ex-player will be taking units like 'Economy of Profesional Sports' and 'Marketing and Communication of Club Brands'.
Zidane said: "It's a new stage and I want to learn."
This recent turn of events have marked a U-turn over his previous comments in 2006 that he had no intention to become a coach.
Despite a big money offer to Jose Mourinho, Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala found that the Portuguese was not to be tempted.
According to reports by El Confidencial, the Real Madrid manager was offered a mammoth £26 million to ditch the La Liga club for Anzhi.
He had earlier been offered £21.6 million by the Russian big-spenders in the summer, but was rebuffed then.
Anzhi redoubled their efforts after sacking their coach Gadzhi Gadzhiyev on Thursday, but were once again rejected by Mourinho.
Anzhi recently signed Samuel Eto'o from Inter Milan during the summer transfer window, and are currently under the charge of caretaker boss Andrei Gordeyev, with ex-Brazil defender Roberto Carlos acting as an assistant player-manager.
Sevilla reward Varas with extension
Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas has signed a two-year extension to his contract with the Primera Division outfit.
Negredo targets return against Gijon
Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo is hoping to be fit for this weekend's La Liga clash with Sporting Gijon after missing Spain's matches with a hamstring problem.
"Mourinho will never join Barca"
Barcelona stalwart Carles Puyol has rubbished the notion that Jose Mourinho will ever join the Catalans.
Hazard agent reveals Real interest
The agent of Lille star Eden Hazard has revealed that La Liga giants Real Madrid are closely monitoring his client's progress.
Barca swoop for Cole
Barcelona are lining up an audacious bid to land Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, according to reports.
Krkic: I won't go back to Barcelona
Roma striker Bojan Krkic insists that he would not return to Barcelona even if his former employers comes calling.
Mallorca part ways with coach Nadal
Miguel Angel Nadal is to leave his position on the Real Mallorca coaching staff, the La Liga club have announced.
Barca keen on Valencia star Alba
Barcelona are said to be monitoring the progress of Valencia left-back Jordi Alba, if reports emanating from Spain are to be believed.
Figo has no regrets at joining Real
Portuguese legend Luis Figo maintains he has no regrets at joining Real Madrid from bitter rivals Barcelona.
Real to beat Chelsea for Lucas
Real Madrid look set to snatch Sao Paulo star Lucas from Chelsea's clutches, despite the west London club's best efforts.
Real Madrid thrashed Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, but Barcelona kept top spot with an easy win over Racing Santander.
A hat-trick from Gonzalo Higuain guided Jose Mourinho's team to a comfortable 4-1 win over their seventh-placed opponents.
The Argentine took his tally to eight goals this season, but Real Madrid were forced to work hard for their win after going into the break at 0-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Higuain opened the scoring 45 seconds after the interval, converting a Cristiano Ronaldo cutback before the Portuguese star found Kaka to make it 2-0 soon after.
Betis pulled a goal back through Jorge Molina, but Higuain struck twice more to ensure there would be no comeback.
Real Madrid remain second despite the win after Barcelona comfortably disposed of Racing Santander 3-0.
A Lionel Messi brace and a Xavi header were enough to give Barcelona a deserved victory.
Messi's double means he has now scored 10 goals in the first seven league games of this campaign.
In other games, Valencia were dealt a late blow when Tomer Hemed converted an injury time penalty to earn a 1-1 draw for Mallorca.
The opening goal of the game was scored by Valencia's France international Adil Rami, who scrambled the ball past goalkeeper Dudu Aouate seven minutes before half-time.
But Hemed converted a 93rd-minute spot-kick after Mehmet Topal had handled in the area, salvaging a point for ninth-placed Mallorca.
Elsewhere, Getafe and Villarreal drew 0-0, while eighth-placed Atletico Madrid were forced to settle for a point in their scoreless draw at Granada.
La Liga wrap: Levante share top spot 17 October 2011
Levante joined reigning champions Barcelona on 17 points at the top of La Liga after beating Malaga 3-0 on Sunday.
All the action came in the first half at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, as goals from Jose Barkero, Juanlu and Arouna Kone put the result beyond doubt for Levante.
Malaga were forced to play an hour of the match with 10 men following the 27th-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Willy Caballero.
Defeat leaves Malaga in sixth place, four points back from the joint leaders.
Elsewhere, Sevilla moved into fourth on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Sporting Gijon.
A 25-yard strike from Manu del Moral and a Martin Caceres header put Sevilla two goals ahead, before David Barral pulled a goal back for the bottom-placed Sporting Gijon.
In other matches, Portuguese forward Helder Postiga notched a brace, with a goal in each half of the match, as Real Zaragoza downed Real Sociedad 2-0 at home.
Zaragoza are up to eighth in the table, two points and four places better off than Sociedad.
Espanyol also picked up all three points with a 1-0 win away to promoted Rayo Vallecano.
Ivory Coast midfielder Christian Romaric struck the decisive goal on 56 minutes for the away side.
Victory lifts Espanyol to 10th place, while Rayo are down in 15th, just one point clear of the relegation zone.
