Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hit out at Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, ahead of the Premier League meeting between the two clubs this weekend.
Mancini retaliated to Mourinho’s comments over the Portuguese manager’s post, currently vacant after Paulo Bento was sacked after a loss to Albania. Mourinho distanced himself from the vacancy, but said:
“Portugal should be coached by a Portuguese. If the federation have problems picking one it’s not for lack of options or quality.”
This remark angered Mancini, who had tentatively expressed an interest in the post.
Mancini said: “I thought Mourinho was the manager of Chelsea and not the President of the Portuguese FA.”
Earlier this week the Italian told Record: “I am still a young Coach with a long career in front of me and a lot to learn.
“I like to experience different adventures. I’ve already worked in England and Turkey, while returning to Italy is an option, but I prefer to try new things.
“Would I go to Portugal? Of course. You know more than me that Portugal has always boasted high quality football full of class and talent, producing some of the best players in the world. The Portuguese clubs have also impressed in Europe.
“Would I be the Portugal Coach? It would be fantastic, because they are one of the most talented sides in European football and any Coach would love that job.
“If Portugal were to ask? It would be an honour.”
There has been bad blood brewing between Mancini and Mourinho dating back to 2008, when Mourinho replaced Mancini at Internazionale in 2008, the tension between them was acknowledged without being explicit.
They’ve had some interesting battles: in their Uefa Cup meeting 10 seasons ago when Mourinho’s Porto beat Lazio 4-1 on aggregate. “They played a 4-5-1 in the first game, then switched to three at the back for the return leg!” raved the Portuguese. “They [Italians] think of football in relation to the opponent, and change the way they play accordingly.”
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
