Jose Mourinho is preparing for another special day in his illustrious managerial career. The Special One will lead Roma on Wednesday in the UEFA Europa League final and could make history by becoming the first manager to win this competition with three different clubs.
However, the Portuguese tactician still found time for some humor during his pre-match press conference as he aimed another dig at Tottenham Hotspur, having been infamously sacked by the North London giants just days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final.
The 60-year-old was the head coach at Spurs from 2019 to 2021 but failed to complete his second season in charge. Jose, whose time at the club coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, admitted that there was little connection between him and the fans due to the shutdown and has now joked about his time with the Premier League side.
In all fairness, Mourinho did not poke fun at Spurs unprovoked. Instead, he was posed a question by a reporter, who asked Jose to contrast success at Roma with success at Tottenham. Mourinho, who wasn't afforded time to manage that 2021 Carabao Cup final despite guiding the club to Wembley, responded brilliantly.
"Roma didn't sack me before the [2022 Conference League] final in Tirana," the Special One said.
"At Tottenham they sacked me before the [2021 Carabao Cup] final at Wembley. Roma gave me the chance to win; at Tottenham I had no chance."
"At Roma they didn't sack me before the final"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 31, 2023
Jose Mourinho savages Tottenham, again pic.twitter.com/TQBo1PrUOo
One of the most telling statistic from Mourinho's time at Spurs is the blemish on his trophy record. Since his spell in charge of União de Leiria, where Jose began catching the eyes of Europe's top clubs, the Portuguese tactician has won silverware everywhere he has been bar North London.
His time alongside Daniel Levy ended in a sour note as he failed to bring a title to Tottenham. This trend repeated itself under the reign of Antonio Conte, which has led many to believe the English heavyweights are cursed. Regardless, while Mourinho mentioned his former players, the coach is solely focused on beating Sevilla in the final.
"Playing a Europa League final has become almost normal for Sevilla; for Roma it's extraordinary, unforgettable," the iconic boss said, as per Goal.
"Last season I had to explain to the players what a UEFA media day was. Now it's the second time for them so it looks a bit more normal, but it's not normal at all.
"I'm really happy: I came to Rome to help them grow and reach these special moments that define the history of a club. There are clubs that a final is just one more final; for Roma it is very special."
Victory over Sevilla would see Roma return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2018/19. However, the Spanish club come alive in this competition and will give the Giallorossi a stern test at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
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