Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho takes a dig at Chelsea hierarchy and style of play under Antonio Conte
Former Chelsea boss sacked last year has questioned if club bosses really want what he feels is a defensive style of football at Stamford Bridge
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at the Chelsea hierarchy for the club’s defensive style this season.
Chelsea face United in the FA Cup on Monday night with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
But the former Blues boss, who returns to Stamford Bridge for the second time this season, is surprised the club are happy with the style of play under Antonio Conte.
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Mourinho told the BBC: “I’m surprised by the way they play, I thought there were demanding [sic] of a different kind of football, because I think Chelsea are phenomenal – but Chelsea is an amazing defensive team.”
Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea last season after a disastrous defence of the Premier League title, while Conte has transformed the Blues as they march towards a second title in three seasons.
The Portuguese has been criticised throughout his career for playing a ‘boring’, counter-attacking style.
After his first reign at Chelsea ended, club owner Roman Abramovich made it clear he wanted the team to play in a more attacking style.
After his second tenure ended in December 2015, it was clear that massive tension existed between Mourinho and technical director Michael Emenalo.
In an interview explaining why Mourinho had been sacked, Emenalo described a “palpable discord” between players and manager.
The Nigerian was also heavily criticised by fans for refusing to name Mourinho in the interview on Chelsea TV – he referred to Mourinho only as “the individual”.
The Portuguese boss claims he is not looking to settle any scores after his dismissal or for United’s 4-0 humbling at Stamford Bridge last October.
“I’m not looking for revenge, I’m not looking for anything wrong or bad.
“If you say something special, one thing is to have Gary Staker in the tunnel before and after the match, a close super friend.
“So if it’s different, it’s different in a positive way, not a negative way.” Mourinho told Gary Lineker.