Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho defended himself by saying that he is one of the best managers in the world. The Portuguese has been at the receiving end of criticism due to his team’s sub-par performances. Following United’s defeat to Tottenham, Mourinho stormed out of the post-match press-conference, repeatedly telling ‘respect’.
When asked if he should be regarded among the best managers in the world regardless of the Premier League outcome , Mourinho replied, “Of course. Do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the Premier League last season? To the manager that finished fourth? To the manager that finished fifth? I had great success last season. That is what probably you don’t want to admit. I analyse my performance myself and for me, it is more important what I think than what you think.
And for me, I think that two seasons ago we had a fantastic season by winning the Europa League. Last season everyone thought Atletico Madrid were amazing because they won the Europa League after being knocked out of the Champions League. We are the last team in England to win a European competition.
I won eight titles. I am the only manager that won Italy, Spain and England. And by winning eight titles – not small titles, not small countries, eight proper countries – my second position last season is one of my greatest achievements in football. You disagree? You have the right to disagree. That is no problem for me. I am the manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world but I am also one of the greatest managers in the world.”
Jose Mourinho also said that the positive reception from the fans despite the loss against Tottenham has encouraged Manchester United ahead of their match against Burnley on Sunday. He said, “I know the majority of the stadiums are used to the winning manager jumping around and going to the crowd and putting his face in front of the camera. With me that is not happening. Normally when I win I am the first to leave.
But after an important defeat at home, that is the way I am. I had to go to the pitch and see the reaction. The reaction could go both ways but it went a way where I felt really humbled and the team felt really supported. Probably because of that this week was not a difficult week at all. It was a week where people were positive and convinced that we deserve much more than what we got on Monday.
We know we have a very difficult match this weekend but people are positive.”
