As part of a Q&A grilling on the FIFA website, Jose Mourinho was once again asked to piece together a ‘Mourinho XI’ of the best players he’s worked with as a coach.
Once again, his answer was stout and non-committal, though it did take the form of a profound battle cry of sorts as Mourinho valiantly name-checked a list of players who have sacrificed their vital fluids for him over the years:
It’s an answer that I’ve always refused to give and will continue to. So many players gave their blood and soul when they played for me, how can I name some and forget others?
Vitor Baia, Petr Cech, Julio Cesar… how can I choose just one? Jorge Costa, Ricardo Carvalho, Marco Materazzi, Lucio, Walter Samuel, John Terry… how can I choose one?
Michael Essien, Wesley Sneijder, Nemanja Matic, Costinha, Maniche, Xabi Alonso, Frank Lampard … how can I choose one?
I don’t think I will ever answer that question because I’ll never forget my brothers in arms.
Notice he stopped short of naming any attacking players there.
Typical Mourinho.