adminMANCHESTER. – Jose Mourinho has defended his record at Manchester United and insisted he remains one of the best managers in the world.
Mourinho has come in for criticism after a difficult start to the season that has seen United lose to Brighton before suffering a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Monday night.
But he came out fighting in his Press conference yesterday, saying his past successes mean he is not compared fairly to rival managers like Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino.
Asked if he should still be considered one of football’s greatest managers if he fails to win the Premier League with United, 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.”
Mourinho added: “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.”
Fixtures (all 4pm unless stated)
Today: Brighton v Fulham, Chelsea v Bournemouth, Crystal Palace v Southampton, Everton v Huddersfield, Leicester v Liverpool (1:30pm), Manchester City v Newcastle (6:30pm), West Ham v Wolves
Tomorrow: Burnley v Manchester United (5pm), Cardiff v Arsenal (2:30pm), Watford v Tottenham (5pm) – Sky Sports.
Online Reporter