How ‘great’ Messi made me a better coach – Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese manager has never coached the Barcelona super star but he has revealed how setting up his teams to cage the Argentina international made him a better coach.

Jose Mourinho has expressed that the need to stop Lionel Messi from wrecking havoc against his teams helped him improve his abilities as a manager, Soccernet.ng can authoritatively report.

Mourinho was a former Real Madrid manager and had to face the Barcelona No.10 on a regular basis in numerous El Classico duels.

“I always say that I owe so much to my players, and to those who haven’t been my players but those who created problems for me,” the Portuguese told EFE.

“For example, Messi never played for my team, but he played against me and he has made me a better coach for having to prepare matches [to stop him].

“When I say Messi, I also mean the other great players I’ve faced.”

Jose Mourinho also took time to warn Real Madrid and Barcelona about Atletico Madrid, insisting that Diego Simeone have to be considered as favourites following their excellent start to the LaLiga Santander.

“I don’t think Atletico are an emerging team anymore,” he explained.

“They’ve won the league in the last decade, they’ve won cups, Europa Leagues and have been in Champions League finals.

“Atletico are a candidate for the title. They lost [Antoine] Griezmann, [Diego] Godin but they’ve invested very well.”

 

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

“What are they waiting for?” – Arsenal cult hero Kanu Nwankwo tells NFF to seal Eguavoen deal

Former Super Eagles star Kanu Nwankwo has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint Augustine… Read More

1 hour ago

Nwabali names Osimhen and former Arsenal and Chelsea stars among Nigeria’s top five football greats

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed his list of the top five Nigerian footballers… Read More

3 hours ago

“He’s a good footballer”- Ex-Manchester City striker begs Sevilla to back Iheanacho despite slow start

Former Manchester City striker has urged Sevilla fans to rally round Super Eagles striker Kelechi… Read More

3 hours ago

“My salary was N5m a month” – Ex-Super Eagles coach demands fair pay for Nigerian national team coaches

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has voiced his disappointment over the stark pay disparity… Read More

4 hours ago

One-time Ballon d’Or winner faults Calvin Bassey for Janelt’s goal despite Fulham win

Former England and Real Madrid forward, Michael Owen, has revealed that Brentford's opening goal against… Read More

7 hours ago

“You can’t wear that jersey and be slacking” – Nwankwo Kanu sends cryptic message to Boniface, urges Super Eagles stars to step up

Former Arsenal and Super Eagles striker, Nwankwo Kanu, has urged the Nigerian players to step… Read More

8 hours ago