‘A poor coach who plays horrible football’ - Cassano SLAMS Mourinho again

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 12 Apr 2023 21:17 BST
• 3 min read

Antonio Cassano has continued his campaign against Jose Mourinho, claiming that the Roma boss is only remembered for his him because he is ‘a poor coach who plays horrible football’.

It is the latest volley in a war of words between the pair, which began when the former Real Madrid attacker claimed that the stories manager “doesn’t give a s**t about football” last week when reports suggested that Mourinho could be on his way back to the Bernabeu.

The Portuguese, who has also notably coached Porto, Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United, replied by stating that the only reason Cassano is remembered in Madrid is because of the jacket he wore during his unveiling ceremony, which prompted the response from the ex-Italy man.

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“Mourinho is only remembered in Madrid because he played horrible football, that’s why he was sacked,” Cassano told Twitch show Bobo TV, as quoted by Gazzetta.

“I always left something in the heart of clubs where I played. I never criticised Mourinho as a man, I don’t know him personally, so I can’t judge him. I will continue to criticise him in footballing terms. I know where he can put his trophies… you know where!

“In Madrid, I also had two clocks, four rings and a shameful hairstyle. They called me ‘Gordito’ because I was fat, but I joined the Galacticos, meaning I was a phenomenon. Then the disasters that happened, they were all my fault.”

Mourinho spent 2010 to 2013 at the Bernabeu and picked up three trophies over that period, including a tremendous 2011/12 LaLiga success when Barcelona were close to the height of their powers.

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Cassano on Ronaldo

Mourinho is not the first high-profile Real Madrid legend that Cassano has singled out for criticism in the past. Earlier this season, he attacked Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that the forward, who was still at Manchester United at the time, should quit the game.

“At this point, Cristiano should do himself a favour and understand that if you don't reach a certain level, you should close the shop,” Cassano told Cabine Desportiva.

“He won everything, he was a phenomenon. Stop! You have to stop or you'll only run into the bench.”