In the post-match press conference after the 1-0 win at the Bernabeu, Mourinho asked the Madrid hierarchy to do more to help him defend the team with regards refereeing performances.

The former Inter Milan coach, after seeing his side pick up nine yellow cards against Sevilla and have Ricardo Carvalho questionably sent off, felt it should not be left solely to him to speak out against perceived injustices.

Spanish media have suggested Mourinho was pointing the finger mainly at director general Jorge Valdano, but the club today played down the whole affair.

With Mourinho not taking his habitual pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's Copa del Rey game against Levante, it was down to his assistant Karanka to calm the waters.

"The coach has no personal problem with any member of the club. As happens in any place, there will be points of agreement and points of disagreement," Karanka said.

"We decided that I should speak today. Mourinho spoke the other day and now I am talking. What everyone wants is unity. We are all in the same boat, and hoping to have a good game against Levante.

"In the end what the fans want, regardless of who is in the press conferences, is that come May we are at Cibeles (a fountain in the centre of the Spanish capital where Madrid traditionally celebrate their title wins). I don't mind coming out to speak. I am proud to do so."

Karanka added: "He (Mourinho) seems great to me. The coach is very keen to take things game by game. We are going to finish 2010 two points behind Barca and we want to put ourselves on track in the cup. He looks to have more desire than ever."

Madrid president Perez, meanwhile, was quoted as telling Punto Radio: "It's customary for the club not to speak about the referees, and what we had to say has already been said by Jorge Valdano, who is our spokesman and best represents the image of our club. Now we need to look to the future.

"What happened (with Mourinho) was nothing major and we shouldn't give it any more importance. This is a solid and strong institution, with a great image that little incidents cannot tarnish."

Madrid go into tomorrow's Copa del Rey last-16 first leg against Levante with a question mark hanging over the availability of leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international, who has played in every competitive game so far under Mourinho, was unable to complete training today due to acute tonsillitis, according to the Madrid website.

Ronaldo has still been included a 20-man squad for the last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu but it remains to seen if he will be able to face Levante.

Karanka said: "We'll see how things go. But whatever happens, the XI that goes out will be competitive and will have the intention of getting a good result."

Marcelo and Xabi Alonso return after missing the win win over Sevilla due to suspension, but Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Kaka, Fernando Gago, Sergio Canales and Jerzy Dudek are all missing for various reasons.