Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho said on Friday he remains “one of the greatest managers in the world” despite his team’s poor start in the Premier League season.
Mourinho demanded respect from the media after Monday’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, United’s second defeat in their opening three games of the campaign, and he continued the theme ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley.
“I have won eight titles. I’m the only manager to win in Italy, Spain and England,” he told reporters.
“Not small titles, proper titles, and my second place last season was one of my greatest achievements in football,” he said.
Mourinho won the Serie A title with Inter Milan in 2009 and 2010, the Spanish title with Real Madrid in 2012 and three English Premier League (EPL) titles with Chelsea. He also won the Portuguese league twice with Porto.
“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, defending his record at United where he won the Europa League in his first term in charge and then sealed the EPL runners-up spot last season.
“I had last season great success. I had great success last season, that’s what you probably don’t want to admit.
“I analyse my performance myself, and for me its more important what I think than what you think,” he added.
Asked if he would still consider himself to be one of the greatest if he failed to win a title with 20-times champions United, Mourinho said: “did you read any philosopher?.
“Hegel says, the truth is in the whole. Its always in the whole that you find the truth.”
He then turned the tables on the media. “do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the EPL last season?
“To the manager that finished fourth? To the manager that finished fifth?” he asked.
Mourinho also explained his decision to stand in front of the fans at the end of Monday’s defeat and applaud them.
“In relation to me, I know the majority of the stadiums are used to the winning manager jumping around, go up to the crowd and putting his face in front of the camera.
“With me, that is not happening.
“Normally when I win, I’m the first one to leave, but a defeat at home, an important defeat at home, that’s the way I am. I have to go to the pitch and see the reaction.
“The reaction could be both ways and it went in a way where I felt really humbled and the team felt really supported,” he said.
