In a passionate statement ahead of his team’s Europa League match against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Jose Mourinho took to the press conference to address a recent incident where he felt disrespected. The veteran manager revealed that he has never shied away from addressing the media, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a defeat. “In 24 years of football, I never in my life escaped from a press conference especially after a defeat. I never had fear of any journalist, any question or any press conference,” he asserted.
Frustration Over Prolonged Wait
Mourinho expressed his frustration over the delay he faced in attending the press conference following a recent match. He recounted how he completed the flash interview promptly after the game, only to wait an astonishing 70 minutes before being allowed to enter the press room. “So, it wouldn’t be with you that I was going to change my way of being,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to transparency with the media.
A Call for Respect
The Portuguese tactician emphasized that the delay had nothing to do with the match result but was more about protocol and respect. “It has nothing to do with the result, it has nothing to do with anything, it has only to do with something that is either correct or not correct,” he explained. Mourinho’s remarks suggest that he views the treatment he received as indicative of a broader lack of respect within the media environment. “I’m sorry, but it’s a lack of respect. So if anybody felt disrespected, I am the one that felt disrespected,” he concluded.
Mourinho’s Stand on Media Relations
Jose Mourinho’s strong defense of his media interactions highlights the complexities of the relationship between football managers and the press. His insistence on respect and transparency underscores his long-standing commitment to engaging with journalists, irrespective of the circumstances. As he prepares for the upcoming Europa League clash, Mourinho’s words serve as a reminder of the pressures and expectations faced by managers at the highest level of football.