Dutch football legend, Ronaldo Koeman, believes ‘many people in football can’t stand’ Jose Mourinho, but has insisted the Chelsea manager turns his players into winners like nobody else.
Koeman, who became famous as a Barcelona player in the early 1990’s and is now in charge of Dutch side Feyenoord, has revealed he is a huge fan of Mourinho.
“Many people in the game can’t stand Mourinho – (but) I am the opposite,” Koeman said.
“Mourinho may not create the most beautiful style of football. But he does create winners. Nobody turns his players into winners more than he does.
“This man gets the maximum out of his teams.”
The 51-year-old believes Chelsea’s comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final was down to Mourinho’s winning mentality incarnated by his players.
“They did not beat PSG because they played better football, but because they had more winners on the pitch at Stamford Bridge,” Koeman added.
“Was it a piece of magic? No. Was it the result of a brilliant attack? No. It was the result of a bunch of players with a winning mentality thanks to their coach.
“He comes out with strong stuff. He did it before the PSG match in London. But he achieves what he promises.
“My God, I can only show huge respect then.”
Chelsea and Mourinho now face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final and have a chance to reach their second final in three years.
You either love or hate Mourinho, what do you think of the outspoken Chelsea manager? Have your say in the comment section below.