Mourinho takes aim at Man Utd and Spurs in first Roma press conference

Stefan Bienkowski

• 8 Jul 2021 13:58 BST
• 3 min read

Jose Mourinho used his first press conference as Roma manager to take aim at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Chelsea boss was in charge at Old Trafford and then White Hart Lane between 2016 and 2021.

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Despite having a reputation as being one of Europe’s most successful managers, Mourinho was dismissed by both clubs in succession and was largely seen as failing to match expectations at either.

However, Mourinho has strongly contested this notion since leaving Man Utd and Tottenham and didn’t waste any time in Rome underlining his thoughts on the rumours of his demise at the top of European football.

“I won three trophies at Manchester United and that was seen as a disaster,” said the Portuguese manager in his first press conference at the Serie A side.

“I reached a cup final which I was not allowed to play at Tottenham, and that was seen as a disaster. What's a disaster for me is considered as a great success for others.”

Was Mourinho a ‘disaster’ at Man Utd and Tottenham?

While Mourinho is known for being a purposely controversial character, he may have a point when it comes to Man Utd.

Not only did the 58-year-old coach win a League Cup and Europa League trophy, as well as a Community Shield during his time at Old Trafford but he also averaged 1.97 points per game. His successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is currently averaging 1.84 points per game.

However, things were a little different at Tottenham. Mourinho arrived at the club as the successor to Mauricio Pochettino, who had taken Spurs to a Champions League final and averaged 1.84 points per game by playing attacking, attractive football.

Mourinho, in contrast, reverted back to some very dull, defensive football and could only manage an average of 1.77 points per game before Tottenham decided to draw a line under his time at the club.