Given that Jose Mourinho is no friend of Arsene Wenger, calling the Portuguese boss a better manager than the Frenchman may not sit well with Le Prof.
However, should a former player do so, a feeling of betrayal can be expected from the Gunners boss.
Unfortunately for Arsene, this has occurred, with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira naming The Special One as the most influential manager he has ever seen over the 66-year-old.
Despite being a part of Wenger’ record-breaking Invincibles side who won the English Premier League title without a single defeat, Vieira claims to have been impressed by Jose the most, highlighting the former Chelsea manager’s work ethics and attention to details as his key attributes.
Speaking about Mourinho, who famously guided the Nerazzurri to the treble, the former Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Man City defender said:
“Jose. He’s the manager who had more influence on me. Arsene is more concentrated on his own team — he gives freedom to players to express themselves. It’s a different style.
“Mourinho was the one who impressed me most on his work ethic. He knew everything about the opposition, the strength, weakness.
“His detail was unbelievable - everything was so clear about what he wanted from each player.
“I don’t know what happened at Chelsea but he always got the best out of his players.”
The 1998 World Cup winner made these remarks ahead of Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger never beat Mourinho in the league, but with the Portuguese boss no longer in charge of the Blues, Arsenal are now favorites to win, according to stats.
Arsenal vs Chelsea in words and numbers
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