Jose Mourinho writes off Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has written off his team's chances of catching Spanish league leader Barcelona and has turned his attention to helping the club

Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are 15 points back of Barcelona and seven behind Atletico Madrid :: Helios de la Rubia/Getty Images

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has written off his team's chances of catching Spanish league leader Barcelona and has turned his attention to helping the club win the Champions League for the 10th time.

With the Spanish league more than halfway through, Barcelona is 15 points ahead of Madrid, which won the title last season but is now in third place behind crosstown rival Atletico.

Speaking to French radio station RMC on Wednesday, Mourinho said "it's impossible to win the league this year. We have to think about the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.''

However, Mourinho warned Madrid fans not to build up their expectations ahead of the match against Manchester United in the last 16, saying "you have to understand that other teams can win the competition.''