Garcia Remon admits Morientes wants out

Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon would like Liverpool target Fernando Morientes to stay at the Bernabeu but admits he may not be able to satisfy the striker’s desire for first-team football.

The former Spain international is thought to be heading Liverpool’s shopping list as they look to strengthen an attacking line depleted by injury and the summer sale of Michael Owen, whose arrival in Madrid has severely limited Morientes’ playing opportunities this term.

And Garcia Remon said: “I understand that Morientes wants to leave and that he wants to play.

“He is a great professional and being selfish I would like him to stay, but he’s not playing the minutes he deserves because only 11 can play at the same time.”

Garcia Remon has also backed the almost certain arrival of former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi as Real’s new club manager.

The move could put him under increased pressure, but the Madrid coach insists he would be happy with the arrival of the experienced Italian.

“It’s positive for the club that we have a sporting manager who will start to work on things next season. The big clubs cannot stand still and we have to work for the future,” he said.

“He has been everything in the world of football and it’s very positive for Real Madrid.”

Sacchi’s expected arrival has provoked rumours that Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti will also be on his way to Spain, but Garcia Remon is unconcerned.

“It doesn’t worry me at all,” he added. “I’m very calm and I’m confident in my job.

“Madrid could look for another trainer in 10 days, but I’m confident in the union between Florentino Perez (president), Emilio Butragueno (sporting director), and myself.

“It would be a surprise if I wasn’t told anything first,” he added.