Mourinho is one of the most well-known managers in the entire footballing world – but that doesn’t mean he comes without controversy. He has managed teams in various leagues across the world, including the Premier League, Serie A, and other top-tier domestic competitions that have made him a feared, and respected, gaffer that any team would be lucky to have.
In the most recent Champions League Final, he didn’t miss the opportunity to criticize – or, at least take a dig – at his ex-rival, Arsene Wenger, a beloved and respected manager who used to be the focal point of Arsenal FC and the North London club.
So, what did Mourinho say to get the entire punditry and commentator section talking after the CL final?
Mourinho Takes a Dig at Wenger
Real Madrid earned a slight 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, making it a closer game than many thought was going to happen heading into the match. Real Madrid had made it to the final numerous times, and had only lost three matches – and their last loss was over four decades ago.
Even with the cards stacked against them, Dortmund still put up a huge fight and only conceded two goals in 90 minutes to lose the CL final 2-0 at Wembley on Saturday evening.
Mourinho was a pundit and commentator during the game, standing alongside ex-Manchester United center-back Rio Ferdinand and the club captain. He was in charge of analyzing the match, dissecting the game, and figuring out who did well, what worked, what didn’t come off as well as they had hoped, and the coach’s tactics throughout the match.
Mourinho had plenty to do before, during, and after the game. He spoke about just how good Toni Kroos played, and that he would have a few more years left in him if he decided not to retire this year. After the game, he also chatted with the new PL manager, Erdin Terzic, sharing a hug and giving him well wishes. He even agreed to a picture with Jude and Jobe Bellingham’s mother after the game during the celebrations.
And he was even busier when Wenger’s name crept into the conversation. Presenter Laura Woods mentioned that ‘Arsene Wenger was floating around here before the match and after the game.’ She mentioned that she would have loved to be able to chat with him for a quick interview.
Ferdinand took no time to joke about the situation, saying, ‘I’d have had to have stood between him and Jose!’
For those who don’t know, it seems as though there was a bit of bad blood between the two coaches before they had even seen one another at the Champions League final game.
Mourinho replied to Ferdinand’s cheeky comment with a bit of a dig at his former coaching rival.
‘Ask him about what he wants to do with the offside rule. My God! Oh my God. Let me go before you speak to him please.’
Wenger vs. Mourinho in the Premier League
This could all be good fun. Mourinho has always coached against Wenger in the Premier League as he faced him numerous times as the manager of Arsenal FC. Wenger is now the head of global development at FIFA and has made it known that he wishes some changes occur in the modern game that make the playing style more free-flowing and easier to watch.
Mourinho disapproves of the changes and has been a vocal advocate of the offside rule alterations.
Also Read: Chelsea Loanee Maatsen Gets Named In UEFA Champions League Team Of The Season
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
