AS.com

Mourinho didn't hesitate to fine Coentrao for turning up late to training on New Year's day, and it appears he doesn't have any doubts about punishing Marcelo for his fitness. The Brazilian was left off the squad list for the second game in a row as he continues to struggle with his weight.

Madrid's coach believes the situation is serious. Marcelo broke his right foot with the Brazilian team on 14 October. A week later Dr. Van Dijk operated on him in Holland and 90 days later he was called up for the Osasuna game, on 12 January. It's been 35 days since he received the all clear from the doctors and the player is yet to get back into optimal shape. Mou's first attempt to get him back in the team was the Real Madrid-Valencia game in the cup on 15 January, but it didn't work and he was clearly struggling after 45 minutes. He was then left out for two games (both against Valencia) and in the two subsequent encounters he was on the bench (Getafe and Barcelona). He played 26 minutes against Granada on 3 February and having seen what happened in Los Cármenes Mourinho had no doubts about leaving him out for the games against Sevilla, Manchester and today against Rayo.

At the other extreme is Xabi Alonso. The player from the Basque country was left out of the squad to get some rest but showed up at training anyway, to get treatment for his groin strain and to bond with his teammates. Mourinho holds him up as a shining example...