22.01.2026 16:20
Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho criticized the selection of coaches and football philosophy, arguing that perception has taken precedence over success in modern football. The Portuguese coach stated, "Today, there are coaches whose names I don't even know going to the Premier League. I'm not saying this as a disrespect, it's a fact. Some coaches are chosen not for their victories, but for data and numbers."
Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho made striking statements regarding the preferences for coaches and success criteria in modern football. The Portuguese coach argued that perception has taken precedence over winning in modern football.
"IT'S NOT ABOUT WHO WINS THE MOST, BUT WHO CREATES THE MOST PERCEPTION"
Comparing the past to the present, Jose Mourinho stated, "In the past, it was believed that the one who won the most was the best, but that's no longer the case. Now, the one who creates the most perception is seen as the best."
"IF YOU DIE STICKING TO YOUR IDEA, YOU'RE A FOOL"
Mourinho criticized some coaches who do not abandon their methods despite unsuccessful results with harsh words. The experienced coach said, "There are coaches who try things that don't work and fail, but they say, 'I died sticking to my idea.' If you die sticking to your idea, it means you're a fool."
EMPHASIS ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Recalling that he stepped into the Premier League after becoming the European champion with Porto in 2004, Mourinho emphasized that the profile of coaches in the league at that time was very different from today. Mourinho said, "That year, only two foreign coaches came to the Premier League: me and Rafa Benitez, who won the UEFA Cup. Benitez won the cup with Valencia and went to Liverpool, while I won with Porto and went to Chelsea."
"THERE ARE COACHES WHOSE NAMES I DON'T EVEN KNOW"
Mourinho expressed that some coaches coming to the Premier League today are preferred based on different criteria rather than past successes, stating, "Today, there are coaches going to the Premier League whose names I don't even know. I'm not saying this as a disrespect, it's a fact. Some coaches are chosen not by victories, but by data and numbers."
UNDERSTANDING IN FOOTBALL HAS CHANGED
Jose Mourinho argued that the perspective in football has fundamentally changed, concluding his remarks by saying, "Perceptions are being created, and the idea that 'how you play, how you look' is more important than winning is being sold. At this level, things have completely changed."