Jose Mourinho, the current boss of Fenerbahce, recently shared some intriguing stories and secrets, including his admiration for Lionel Messi, reported by GOAL. During an interview, he revealed which player he would have loved to sign as a manager and why he considers Messi the greatest of his generation.

In a candid chat with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand for TNT Sports, Mourinho recounted a memorable incident in the Chelsea dressing room that almost resulted in a serious injury. He shared:

“One of my favourite moments in the dressing room was when I almost broke a leg at Stamford Bridge at half-time. I wanted to kick the massage table, and I hit something very hard. I had no shin pads [laughs], and I almost broke a leg.”

This humorous yet painful memory showcases Mourinho’s passionate and fiery nature as a manager, always pushing for the best from his team, sometimes to his own detriment.

Admiration for Lionel Messi

When asked which player he never signed but wished he had, Mourinho didn't hesitate:

“In my generation, of course, I would say the little guy [Messi]. The little guy was not coachable, but I have to say, in our generation, he was the best.”

Despite his humorous dig at Messi's uncoachability, Mourinho's admiration for the Argentine star is clear. Calling him “the best” of their generation is high praise, especially coming from someone who has coached many world-class players, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Mourinho’s acknowledgment of Messi’s greatness adds to the long-standing debate about who is the best player of their era.

This is not the first time Mourinho has sung praises for Messi. Despite having a fierce rivalry during his tenure at Real Madrid, where he often came up against Messi and Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, Mourinho has consistently recognized Messi’s extraordinary talent. He has called the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner the greatest multiple times, a testament to Messi’s impact on the game.

Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid was marked by intense battles with Messi’s Barcelona. One of the highlights of his career was winning the La Liga title in 2010, breaking Barcelona’s dominance. These matches were not just games; they were footballing spectacles that added to the legend of both Mourinho and Messi.

What's next for Jose Mourinho

Having taken up the Fenerbahce job this summer, Mourinho is back in club football after a brief hiatus. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to turn teams into title contenders, Mourinho will be looking to make an immediate impact in Turkey.

Mourinho’s new role at Fenerbahce presents fresh challenges and opportunities. The Turkish league is competitive, and the passionate fanbase expects success. Mourinho’s experience and winning mentality will be crucial as he navigates this new chapter in his illustrious managerial career.

Jose Mourinho’s recent revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into his footballing mind and his admiration for Lionel Messi. Despite a cheeky dig, Mourinho’s respect for Messi as the best of their generation is evident. As he embarks on his journey with Fenerbahce, fans can expect more memorable moments and stories from the legendary manager.