Jose Mourinho makes a shocking statement about Messi

Coach Jose Mourinho has delivered a surprising remark regarding Lionel Messi, mentioning how the Argentinian superstar has greatly influenced his career.

Jose Mourinho has built a legendary coaching career. He led Real Madrid and won the Champions League with both Porto and Inter. Named “Coach of the Year” four times, Mourinho's impact on global football is undeniable. Despite working with many top stars, the Portuguese tactician surprised many by revealing that the player who influenced his career the most was not Cristiano Ronaldo.

During an interview with Sportynet, Mourinho revealed that the name who helped him grow most in his career was none other than Lionel Messi. Specifically, he shared: “Messi, because every time I faced him, he always forced me to think deeply.”

Although Mourinho worked with Ronaldo at Real Madrid (2010-2013), it was Messi who repeatedly challenged his tactical mindset. This was evident in Mourinho’s first “El Clasico,” where Ronaldo and Real Madrid’s “Galacticos” suffered a 0-5 defeat to Messi’s Barcelona.

Previously, former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira also revealed that one of Mourinho’s biggest obsessions was finding ways to neutralize Messi. Even though he couldn’t lead Real to Champions League glory, Mourinho often succeeded in limiting the Argentinian superstar’s influence. This demonstrates Mourinho’s evolving football philosophy and his ability to adapt to the challenges Messi presented.

For the past 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have been at the center of the “greatest of all time” (GOAT) debate. Many football legends and coaches have made their choices, but Mourinho offers a unique perspective.

The Portuguese strategist added:“I think it’s unfair to compare generations. Young people today don’t really know Pele, Eusébio, or Beckenbauer, yet they compare them with modern football. There are even some amusing details. Forty years ago, when it rained, the ball could weigh up to 10kg, but now it’s light and flies easily.”

Though he doesn’t engage deeply in the debate, Mourinho is direct in stating that Messi is the best player of this generation, even above Ronaldo. In an interview with TNT Sports in 2024, he emphasized that Messi is an “uncoachable” player, perfect in every aspect of football, and someone from whom he himself could learn.

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