José Mourinho has described himself as “one of the greatest managers in the world” and quoted the philosopher Hegel to defend the stance.
He made the claim when asked what it meant to him to be in charge of Manchester United. “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,” he said.
United have lost two of their three Premier League games. Mourinho’s unhappiness was signified by him storming out of the media conference following Monday night’s 3-0 defeat by Tottenham at Old Trafford demanding “respect”.
Three years have passed since he won the last of his eight championships in four different countries – three of which are English titles – and he was asked whether he would remain one of the world’s greatest managers even if he did not win a ninth title.
“Of course,” he said. “Did you read any philosopher? You spent time reading Hegel. Just as an example Hegel says: ‘The truth is in the whole,’ is always in the whole.” The inference was that Mourinho’s overall CV should be considered.
Mourinho then pointed to Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp, neither of whom has won the Premier League. “Do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the Premier League or fourth?” he said.
Mourinho referred to United’s second place last season. “I had great success last season – that’s what you probably don’t want to admit. I analyse my performance and it is more important what I think than what you think.
“I repeat that two seasons ago we had a fantastic season by winning the Europa League. This season and last everybody thought Atlético 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 cup. I won eight titles [overall], I am the only manager in the world that won in Italy, Spain and England and not small titles or countries;and last season, I repeat, my second position last season is one of my greatest achievements in football.”
Mourinho also aimed a barb at Tottenham fans after they sang: “You’re not special any more” on Monday. “They didn’t have that song when we beat them at Wembley a couple of months ago [in the FA Cup semi-final],” he said. “It was cup final they had a big dream to go to, a title they had a big dream to win, because they don’t win many. In that night at Wembley the United fans were singing the special one and of course they [Spurs fans] were not singing that.”
Regarding Anthony Martial being in talks regarding a contract, Mourinho said: “With Martial you have to wait for that to be official because in this moment is not official.”
