Jose Mourinho, the current coach of AS Roma, has recently opened up about his time at Manchester United and shared his thoughts on why he believes the club struggled to succeed during his tenure. Mourinho managed United from 2016 to 2018, achieving success in his first season by winning the Europa League and Carabao Cup. However, despite finishing second in the 2017-18 season, Mourinho felt that certain players and staff at the club were hindering their progress.
During an interview with John Obi Mikel’s Obi One podcast, Mourinho candidly expressed his frustration, stating, “There are still people in that club, and when I say people, I mean some players but also some other people that are not players, that are still there when I told [United] after two months: With these people, you are never going to do it. And they are still there.”
This critical remark highlights Mourinho’s belief in the necessity of a cohesive and driven team in order to achieve success. It is evident that he saw certain individuals at Manchester United as potential obstacles to the club’s progress and ultimately their chances of winning major trophies.
Adapting to Different Players and Situations
Mourinho not only reflected on the shortcomings of his time at Manchester United but also recognized the need to adapt his managerial style based on the players he worked with. He recalled a specific incident at United where he decided to substitute a player at halftime, only to face accusations of bullying from the player’s agent.
“At Man United, I changed a player at half-time… his agent was then accusing me of bullying,” Mourinho revealed. “I had to change. I remember these times, and I laugh about these times, but it’s different times.”
This anecdote showcases Mourinho’s ability to reflect on his past actions and acknowledge the need for personal growth. It demonstrates his willingness to evolve as a manager and adapt to the demands and sensitivities of the modern game.
Mourinho’s Future Ambitions
Despite Roma’s recent 2-0 defeat to Bologna, Mourinho expressed his desire to continue his work at the Italian club beyond his current contract, which ends in June 2024. He emphasized his strong attachment to the club, stating, “I am frustrated by many things — but none of those are stronger than my feelings of closeness to this club. If I leave at the end of the season, it will not be my decision.”
Mourinho also hinted at the possibility of working in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that he had previously rejected a lucrative offer from the Gulf nation. While he remains committed to Roma for now, Mourinho stated, “I am ‘convinced’ I will work in the Gulf nation one day.”
These aspirations reflect Mourinho’s ambitions to continue his managerial career and explore new opportunities beyond his current role. It showcases his willingness to consider different environments and challenges in order to further develop his skills and leave a lasting impact on the footballing world.
Jose Mourinho’s recent reflections shed light on both his time at Manchester United and his future ambitions. His criticism of certain individuals at United highlights his belief in the importance of a unified and dedicated team. Furthermore, his openness to adapting his managerial style demonstrates his desire for growth and development. While he remains committed to Roma, Mourinho’s aspirations extend beyond his current role, indicating his hunger for new challenges.