Harry Diamond
Jose Mourinho has been welcomed back to the Premier League this week following his appointment as Tottenham manager, with Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer amongst the coaches admitting it is nice to see the Portuguese return to English football.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager succeeded the sacked Mauricio Pochettino this week, where he will attempt to become the first manager in history to win silverware at three different English clubs.
Liverpool‘s Klopp admits it is nice to see the two-times Champions League winner return to the Premier League, suggesting the competition is a better place for the inclusion of the charismatic 56-year-old.
Speaking on Mourinho’s return, Klopp said: “Welcome back Jose. It’s nice to have him back, it was desperate in the time he was not here. On the other side, Mauricio is not there anymore and it shows how quickly things change.
“I couldn’t really believe it when I first heard it but a couple of hours later they had a solution. I hope he can enjoy the next few weeks because it won’t be long before he is back. And Jose is highly motivated.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who had an intense rivalry with Mourinho when the two men managed Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, said he was sure the Portuguese would succeed at Spurs:
“You know him (Mourinho) better than me. He was many years here in different clubs. Welcome back.
“An incredible manager and I’m pretty sure he’ll do a good job.”
United’s Solskjaer, who replaced Mourinho at Old Trafford last December, revealed his pleasure at seeing the former Inter Milan coach return but sympathetically spared a thought for the axed Pochettino.
“It is good to have Jose back. Definitely, especially for you guys. For Mauricio, it is always sad when one of your colleagues – a good man – loses his job before Christmas. It is never nice to see. I wish him all the best.
“In football you can never be surprised at anything or shocked. I just have to focus on us.”
Elsewhere, Bournemouth manager Howe praised Mourinho as an unbelievable manager and believes his return improves the Premier League, an opinion shared by Sheffield United counterpart Chris Wilder.
Speaking on Mourinho, Howe said: “I always welcome the best back into the league. It makes the league better.
“I was as surprised as everyone else looking from afar about what happened this week. But Jose’s an unbelievable manager and I think it’s great for the league that he’s back.”
Blades’ boss Wilder, who has impressed in his maiden season in the top flight, suggested he is relishing the prospect of taking on a new rival who he believes will improve Spurs‘ fortunes following a disappointing start to the season.
“The Premier League is 100% a better place for having Mourinho back. And he’ll get a tune out of those World class players.”
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