Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has revealed that he is inspired by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
The New York City chief is in baby steps in the life of a manager after being appointed the club’s boss in November 2015.
Vieira had a nine-year stint at Highbury under Arsene Wenger, before leaving for Italian giants Juventus back in 2005.
The40-year-old has admitted that veteran gaffer Wenger had not shown him any ‘guidance’ whatsoever in his managerial career and complained about the 67-year-old’s reluctance to welcome former players back to the club in another role once they have retired.
Even though Vieira still has high respect for Wenger, he has also confirmed that he is massively inspired by a man who is an Arsenal enemy – Jose Mourinho.
“I’m inspired especially from those who have the same vision as me when it comes to the team spirit and the style of play. Mourinho impressed me because he had no qualms,” Vieira told France Football.
“For him, it’s ‘I decide what’s best for the team’. No emotion, that’s a real strength.
“Arsene is a bit more calm, composed, diplomatic. For me, I try and use what sticks to me personality.
“The worst thing to do would be to try and be a bit Mourinho, a bit Wenger, a bit Capello, because the player knows when you’re not being yourself and after that, it’s hard to keep it up.”
The Frenchman played under Mourinho at Inter Milan, where the defensive midfielder won three Serie A league titles.
After moving back to the English Premier League with Manchester City, Vieira retired after two years at the Etihad and then moved into coaching.
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
