Manchester: Jose Mourinho insisted he is one of the world’s best managers in a continuing defence of his managerial record despite Manchester United’s recent struggles. 

 

“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,” said Mourinho. That was the start of another edgy exchange between Mourinho and journalists in which he was asked whether he could still claim to be one of the greatest managers in the world should he fail to win a league title with United. 

 

And, in keeping with his recent self-justification, Mourinho even cited 18th century German philosopher Georg Hegel. 

 

“Of course,” said Mourinho. “Hegel says the truth is in the whole, the truth is always in the whole. 

 

“Do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the Premier League or fourth? To the manager who finished fifth?” 

 

When it was pointed out that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had faced a similar line of questioning last season, Mourinho cited the German’s record of never having won a European trophy.

 

“Because he never won anything in international (competition), for example. That’s his problem, I tell you what I think, how I feel. And I answer the question.”

 

When Mourinho was pressed further, he said: “I had great success last season and that’s what you probably don’t want to admit.”  

 

AFP