Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has insisted that the relationship between him and his players is as good as ever.

There have been rumours of a fracture in the Madrid dressing room following Los Blancos' disappointing start to the 2012-13 La Liga season.

However, Mourinho is adamant that he fosters a harmonious relationship with everyone he works with at the Spanish champions.

"It is impossible to improve the relationship that I have between the players and technical staff," the Portuguese is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website.

"I don't think that there are any lingering doubts."

Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a home match against English champions Manchester City in Group D.