Poor pitch brush-off has Jose raging
JOSE MOURINHO was left livid after being told his players are insured when he complained about the pitch for tonight’s Europa League game.
The Manchester United boss wanted the last-16 first leg against Rostov called off because of the treacherous playing surface at the Olimp-2 Stadium.
But a UEFA official laughed at Mourinho when he raised his concerns and the United boss was left fuming at the dismissive reaction to his legitimate worries. Mourinho said: “On a very similar pitch in the summer in China we and Manchester City decided not to play – but it looks like we have to play here.
“I just had a quick contact with one gentleman from UEFA when I was looking at the pitch.
“When I told him about my concerns,the gentleman told me the players are insured so if something happens no problem. I know we have to but it’s hard for me to believe we’re going to play on that field – if you can call it a field. I now don’t know what team to play.”
But Rostov coach Ivan Daniliants said: “Football is a contact sport and players can be injured playing on the best pitches in the best weather in the best conditions.”
● LA Galaxy are prepared to make Zlatan Ibrahimovic the highest-paid player in MLS history if he joins them from Manchester United this summer.
Ibrahimovic joined United last summer on a one-year deal, with an option for a longer stay.
Last season moneybags LA Galaxy paid former England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard £5million. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Deportivo La Coruna 1, Real Betis 1. (8.05 unless stated)
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