DISASTER? I’M A VICTIM OF MY OWN SUCCESS

Mourinho uses his Roma unveiling to defend his reputation after United and Tottenham sackings

JOSE MOURINHO hit back at those who branded him a “disaster” in his last two jobs in England – and claimed he is a victim of his own success.

Mourinho chose his official unveiling as Roma’s new boss (right) to defend his managerial record at Manchester United and Tottenham.

The self-titled ‘Special One’ won the League Cup, Europa League and Community Shield at United, before he was sacked in 2018, with the club in sixth place, 11 points off a Champions League spot.

At Spurs, Mourinho took them to the Carabao Cup final but was sacked in April before he could lead them out at Wembley, with Spurs lying sixth in the Premier League.

Mourinho, who has signed a three-year deal with the Serie A side, says he is judged more harshly than other managers because of his record.

“I’m a victim of what I have done and the way people look at me,” said Mourinho.

“I won three trophies at Manchester United and that was seen as a disaster.

“I reached a cup final which I was not allowed to play at Tottenham, and that was seen as a disaster.

“What’s a disaster for me is considered as a great success for others.

“In my last three clubs I won the title at Chelsea, three cups at United, a final at Tottenham, where we were sixth, reaching the Europa League.

“What’s considered a disaster for me is something that others have never achieved – it’s my fault.”

Mourinho’s abrasive management style and willingness to call out individuals publicly led to fall-outs with players, most notably Luke Shaw at United. Shaw, who has thrived with England at Euro 2020 and at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, recently opened up about the toll Mourinho’s treatment took on him.

But Mourinho claimed he was no longer interested in conflict with players, but vowed to defend his squad and his club in his own belligerent way if needed. “When it comes to defending my players, I will do everything,” said Mourinho. “But when it comes to looking for problems for myself, I certainly won’t do that. I want to enjoy myself and I think we can all enjoy ourselves.

“You know that I can be quite prickly when I’m working, and perhaps it won’t be a pleasure to work with me, because I’m going to defend my club.

“One of the ways to do that is by working internally and hoping to keep things internal. That is fundamental for me.

“But I don’t want to look for anything else and I don’t have time for that.

“I’m more experienced and mature now and that puts me in a more solid position emotionally.

“But in terms of defending my players and the club, if I need to go that extra step, then I’m ready.”