Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria believes that he has become the player he is today as a result of his coach Jose Mourinho.

The Argentina international was signed from Portuguese side Benfica in 2010 and has enjoyed two successful campaigns with the Spanish capital outfit, guiding them to Copa del Rey and La Liga triumphs. He has already assisted five goals this season, as he looks to build on last term's tally of 17.

"The day he told me to come, I was at the World Cup and I wasn't doing very well but he kept trying and I think that most of what I am doing today is thanks to him and I try to repay that with hard work every day," Di Maria told reporters.

Having tasted domestic glory, Di Maria admits the Champions League would be the ultimate reward but insists Los Blancos are determined to challenge on all fronts, with the Supercopa already in the bag.

"The first year with Mourinho, we won the Copa then La Liga a year later, and I wish this year that we are able to win not only the Champions League," he added. "We are going to fight for every title as we are Real Madrid and that is what we have to do. We will see what we end up with."

Real Madrid has experienced a slow start to the season, winning only two of its five opening league matches and allowing fierce rival Barcelona to open up an eight-point lead.

Nonetheless, Mourinho's side will be hoping to close that gap when it entertains Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

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Original post:
Di Maria puts personal success down to Mourinho