JOSE MOURINHO has insisted Manchester United sacked him too early – as he was in the ‘middle’ of bringing a league title to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils turned to Mourinho after Louis van Gaal left the club in 2016.
Jose Mourinho believes he could have been given more time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In his first season, the Portuguese boss managed to win three trophies and he finished second to Manchester City in the 2017-18 Premier League.
But a misfiring start to the following campaign saw Mourinho sacked in December 2018.
Now in charge of table-topping Tottenham, the 57-year-old discussed the speed of his success at different clubs throughout his career.
He told reporters: “In a certain period of my career, with the profile of club I was getting, we didn’t need as much time to reach success.
“We did it at Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, both times, we did it without that need for longevity.
“And also my desire to try different things and my crazy desire to go to many countries, and to try to win, and try to get different experiences in many different countries, was perfect because it was about: winning, and goodbye, and let’s try another thing.
I felt that I left at the middle of the process, but I learn very early to respect decisions, which I did at United.
Jose Mourinho
“The first club where I felt I needed time and time was not given was at Manchester United, because I felt that I left at the middle of the process, but I learned very early to respect decisions, which I did at United.
“We did what we did, we did what was possible to do, and we move on. I am happy, they are happy, and we have a great relationship, which is something I am always very proud to say.
“When I leave clubs, I keep a very good relationship with everybody, and United is one more example of that.
“Now, in Tottenham I know the profile of job I have in my hands, and hopefully until now I am enjoying very, very much to be in the club.”
Mourinho’s comments were also a reference to the four seasons Jurgen Klopp was allowed before guiding Liverpool to the title.
Ahead of their meeting on Wednesday night, the Spurs boss has fired a number of jibes at his opponent.
Among which was a claim that the Reds are hardly suffering an injury crisis, with only Virgil van Dijk unavailable in Mourinho’s mind.
While he prepares for the top-two clash, old club United are back in ninth.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at Old Trafford and is yet to fire the club towards a title tiltCredit: Getty – Pool
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho with the side in sixth – the position they ultimately finished at the end of the Norwegian’s first season.
However, he did close the gap on the top-four considerably and broke in by securing third place last season.
No manager other than Mourinho or Sir Alex Ferguson has managed United to a top-two finish in over 40 years.
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Mourinho has amazing take on Liverpool injury ‘crisis’ as Tottenham boss starts title race mind games with Klopp
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
