Mourinho planning a long-term strategy

Jose Mourinho has admitted for the first time that he can see himself managing into his late 60s, like Arsene Wenger.

He knows that, realistically, it isn’t likely to be at Manchester United, though he is convinced this will turn out to be his longest ever spell at one club.

At present Mourinho’s first stint at Chelsea which lasted three years and three months – almost 19 years shorter then Wenger’s time at Arsenal – represents his high bar.

He has become known for never getting beyond a third season wherever he has been a manager, either because he tires of the club or they grow tired of him.

However, Mourinho points out that at the age of 55, his mentality is very different now.

“I think this will be my longest spell,” he says.

“To be honest, at other clubs, I had the feeling of already thinking about what was next for me. I had things I had to do. I had to go to Italy for sure. I had to go to Spain for sure.

“At this moment, there isn’t anything I have around the corner waiting for me.

“I don’t want to do anything that’s different to what I am doing now.

“For sure, I see myself managing in my 60s but I will have to change clubs because you do not allow me to stay here!

“The new concept of media, the social media, the pundit industry, the way people can express and influence the opinion, I think it is too much pressure.

“I think it is impossible for someone to stay a long time.

“To have four or five years to try to get a trophy and to try to improve and change the team, I don’t think you allow that any more.

“I believe that managers get better as they get older. I think that until you lose your motivation, you keep improving. Sometimes people say, ‘enough is enough, I don’t want any more,’ but until that time, it is the kind of job where experience makes you better.

“I am a better manager than I was five or 10 years ago, in every way.” Mourinho faces old adversary Wenger for the final time as Arsenal boss when the Gunners visit Old Trafford this afternoon.

Asked how the Frenchman should be remembered, he retorts: “First of all, I don’t think he is dead! Second, I don’t think he ends his career. As far as I’m aware, he is just finishing his career at Arsenal.

“Especially, I will remember his as the manager of The Invincibles. I met The Invincibles when I arrived in this country with Chelsea in 2004 and playing against them made me a better coach. “That is the way I would remember him.”