José Mourinho hits back: ‘I’m one of the greatest managers in the world’

José Mourinho has described himself as “one of the greatest managers in the world” and quoted the philosopher Hegel to defend the stance.

Manchester United’s manager made the claim when asked what it meant to him to be in charge of one of the world’s greatest clubs.

He said: “I am the manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world but I am also one of the greatest managers in the world.”

United have lost two of their opening three Premier League games. Mourinho’s unhappiness was signified by him storming out of the media conference following Monday night’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford demanding “respect”.

Three years have passed since the Portuguese won the last of his eight championships in four different countries – three of which are English titles – and he was asked whether he needed to claim a ninth to remain one of the world’s greatest managers.

“Of course,” he said. “Did you read any philosopher? You spent time reading Hegel. Just as an example Hegel says: ‘The truth is in the whole,’ is always in the whole.” The inference was that Mourinho’s overall CV should be considered.

Mourinho then pointed to Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp and Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino, neither of whom has won the Premier League.

“Do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the Premier League or fourth?” he said.

Mourinho referred to United’s second-place finish last season. “I tell you what I think and I answer you the question,” the 55-year-old said. “That’s easy: I had great success last season – that’s what you probably don’t want to admit. I analyse my performance, myself and for me is more important what I think than what you think.

“I repeat that two seasons ago we had a fantastic season by winning the Europa League. This season and last everybody thought Atlético Madrid were amazing because they won the Europa League after being knocked out of the Champions League.

“We are the last team in England to win a European cup. I won eight titles [overall], I am the only manager in the world that won in Italy, Spain and England and not small titles or countries; and last season I repeat, my second position last season is one of my greatest achievements in football.”

Mourinho also aimed a barb at Tottenham fans after they sang: “You’re not special any more” on Monday.

“Yeah but they didn’t have that song when we beat them at Wembley a couple of months ago [in FA Cup semi-final],” he said. “It was cup final they had a big dream to go, a title they had a big dream to win, because they don’t win many. In that night at Wembley the United fans were singing the special one and of course they [Spurs fans] were not singing that.”

Regarding Anthony Martial being in discussions regarding a new contract, Mourinho said: “With Martial you have to wait for that to be official because in this moment is not official.”