Jose Mourinho: “Messi Forces Me to Always Think More”

Jose Mourinho is once again in the spotlight after an exclusive interview with Brazilian media outlet, Sporty Net, circulated on YouTube. In the Q&A session, the legendary coach shared his views on the players who left the biggest impression throughout his career.

Messi, Both Inspiration and Challenge

When asked about the player who helped him grow the most as a coach, Mourinho firmly named one person: Lionel Messi.

“Because every time I played against him, he forced me to think more,” Mourinho said.

For Mou, Messi was not just a difficult opponent to stop, but also a source of challenge that always made him look for new strategies. Even when asked who was a player with great potential he never coached, Mourinho again mentioned Messi.

Who is Mourinho to Messi?

Conversely, Mourinho to Messi is a great rival and an indirect teacher.

• While coaching Inter Milan, Mourinho once stopped Barcelona’s run in the 2010 Champions League semi-finals, one of Messi’s most painful moments.
• While managing Real Madrid, Mou was the mastermind behind the heated El Clásico duels that always forced Messi to find ways to break through tight defenses.

This means Mourinho is a figure who forced Messi to keep developing. Despite being on opposing sides, their relationship was marked by mutual respect. Mou acknowledged Messi’s greatness, while Messi made Mourinho an opponent who tested the limits of his abilities.

Best Player He Ever Coached?

However, when the question continued about the best player he ever coached, Mourinho chose not to mention names.

“I refuse to answer. Because for me, the best players are those who sacrificed sweat, blood, and tears for my team. And there are many of them,” he answered with great respect.

That answer reflects Mourinho’s philosophy, which always emphasizes the importance of collectivity and loyalty in a team, not just big names. This interview shows another side of Mourinho: a coach full of respect for opponents, admiring Messi’s genius, but still maintaining the value of togetherness among the players he has managed.

For Messi, Mourinho was not just an opposing coach, but also a strategic rival who shaped his career journey at the highest level.