Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has described his one-time arch nemesis Arsene Wenger as one of the greatest managers in football history.
Mourinho and Wenger enjoyed a tumultuous rivalry over the years, with the Portuguese often cutting in his criticism of his French counterpart – including once famously labelling the former Arsenal boss as a ’specialist in failure.’
However, now out of work after his recent sacking by Manchester United, Mourinho has insisted that underneath all the snide comments and bravado he actually had a lot of respect for Wenger.
“There were some episodes along the road,’’ Mourinho said at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
“I can only speak by myself. I really enjoyed the competition. But the real respect is always there. He made lots of history in that football club.
“One of the best football managers in the history of football.”
When it comes to results though Mourinho definitely had the edge over the former Gunners boss, with Wenger winning just two of the 19 fixtures between their sides.