adminLONDON. — Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is “above” comparing himself to other soccer managers but insists there are not many that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside him.
The 52-year-old, who once famously declared himself the “Special One”, saw his side crash out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain last week, but is still hoping to complete an English Premier League and Capital One Cup double this season.
Mourinho insists winning the Champions League for an unprecedented third time with a third different club is not his motivation in life and defended his record of silverware when asked what makes him feel special.
“My happiness, first of all, is when I compare myself with others. I see just a few that are with me in terms of success and the others I see a huge difference and a huge distance,” Mourinho said.
“I have lots of respect for all of them but, in the Premier League, who is European champion? Me and Louis van Gaal. How many won the Premier League twice or more than twice? Me and Arsene Wenger.
“How many won every competition in this country? Community Shield, Capital One Cup, FA Cup, Premier League? In Europe, how many won seven league titles? How many won two Champions Leagues? Carlo Ancelotti won three and Van Gaal and Pep Guardiola won two.
“I’m not content with that but I think people worry about me too much. They don’t know what my happiness is.
“What makes me feel special is that I am above all of this. You think I care about some bull**** I read? I don’t care.” Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by top-four-chasing Southampton at Stamford Bridge yesterday and they now have one game in-hand over second-placed Manchester City.
And Mourinho insists they are calm about the title race, which extended to a six-point lead in their favour after yesterday’s draw at Stamford Bridge. “We have to focus on nine victories. If our direct opponents lose a couple of points, then you need eight victories and one draw, or something like that,” he said. — Skysports.
Online Reporter