‘Mourinho is the nicest manager I ever had’
NEWDELHI: Encomiums are still pouring in for Didier Drogba, the Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker who called time on his 20-year playing career this week. His bond with Jose Mourinho took The Blues to their peak with Drogba featuring in all four title won under the Portuguese’s stewardship.
In India at the start of a campaign tour for sponsors Yokohama, Drogba in an interview defended Mourinho, under fire at Manchester United.
Excerpts.
It’s not a surprise, or for that matter Chelsea (improving). Don’t forget two years ago it was the same Chelsea that won the league. Last season there was some tension, but that happens when you win the league. This season, due to the arrival of Sarri, they are going back to that tranquility… Eden Hazard, coming back from the World Cup, he is unbelievable. He knows people love him at Chelsea, how important it is to the team, club, organisation (he stays). Look, for a player like him, there will be a few offers. It means he is one of the greatest players now. Then it is up to him to decide what is good for him. Mourinho is the nicest manager I had. At the same time he is the most demanding and challenging person as well. The problem in football now is, there is so much attention, one little thing becomes a big drama. Because it is Mourinho, it’s multiplied by 10. How many ways of playing is Guardiola having? Attacking. When Mourinho set up his game, everyone used to say ‘it is amazing what he is doing’. And when you are playing against him, he is stopping you from playing. People want to compare their different styles.
When you go to Mourinho’s trophy room, you will know what kind of manager he is – good or bad. George Weah chose this way to impact his people. I chose another which suits me very well, which is my foundation. I’m really happy, from opening a school last January to taking a mobile clinic everywhere in Ivory Coast to screen people and save them.