Jose Mourinho doesn’t look back fondly at his time coaching Tottenham.
The much-travelled 60-year-old spent 516 days (from November 2019 to April 2021) in charge of the Lilywhites subsequently winning 45 of his 86 matches.
Mourinho’s exit days before the 2021 EFL Cup Final against Manchester City meant he departed a club without winning a trophy since 2002.
A serial winner, Mourinho has lifted no fewer than eight domestic league titles as well as five major European trophies, however, it’s not only a lack of silverware at Spurs which he cites for the disconnection.
“I hope the Tottenham fans don’t get me wrong but the only club in my career where I don’t have still a deep feeling for is Tottenham,” he told reporters.
“Probably because the stadium was empty, Covid time. Probably because Mr Levy didn’t let me win a final and win a trophy.
“We will be connected forever, like I am with all my previous clubs, apart from Mr Levy’s club.
“It’s the only one, so after that – Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United – all the clubs I feel a connection. Maybe people [will say] you cannot love every club – yes, I love every club.”
Now deep into his second season as Roma’s manager, the Portuguese tactician is attempting to make further history.
With a Europa League final against Sevilla on the horizon, should I Giallorossi lift the trophy, Mourinho will be the most decorated manager in the history of major European competition, going clear of Giovanni Trapattoni (also with five major trophies won).