Everyone loves a managerial rant. The seething rage, the ferocious frustration and the utter contempt all wrapped into one ball of pure anger. It’s riveting viewing.
Over years managers across the globe have whipped up a feast of astonishing outbursts, ranging from Kevin Keegan’s “love it”, to Rafa Benitez’s “facts”, and Nigel Pearson’s “ostrich”.
However, one head coach that has become synonymous with the word "rant" is of course Jose Mourinho. Here are five of his best tantrums.
2018: “Respect, Respect, Respect!”
We might as well start with his most recent rant which occurred on Monday night in the aftermath of Man Utd’s 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
In his post-match press conference - scroll down for video - an increasingly frustrated Mourinho became so enraged that he started boasting about how he’s accumulated more Premier League trophies than the rest of the top-flight gaffers combined, emphasising his point by sticking three fingers up at journalists. He then leapt up, demanded respect, before angrily departing the room.
What a guy.
2015: “Referees are afraid to give decisions to Chelsea”
Prior to joining Man Utd, Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea came to a dismal end, seven months after he led the Blues to the title. The Portuguese coach was axed after a defeat to Leicester in mid-December but the writing was on the wall following a shock 3-1 defeat to Southampton a couple of months earlier, after which Mourinho delivered a seven-minute rant.
He didn't hold back as he lambasted referees, with whom he said are afraid to give decisions to Chelsea, while he challenged the FA to punish him. He went on and on and on and on, despite only being asked one question at the start of the interview.
Report and highlights as #MUFC lose two of opening three @PremierLeague games for first time since 1992:
2018: "Football heritage"
Last season was a forgettable one for Man Utd, who finished the campaign empty-handed, as they watched in despair as rivals Man City stormed to a record title success, along with League cup glory.
In March United crashed out of the Champions League following a 2-1 defeat at home to Sevilla. A few days later Mourinho was put in front of the media for the obligatory press conference for the club’s upcoming clash with Brighton. However, instead of focusing on the Seagulls he went on a remarkable 12-minute defence of his Champions League record, football heritage, and United’s failings before him, complete with notes and all,
2005: “Wenger is a specialist in favour”
On this occasion, the target of Mourinho’s wrath wasn’t a referee, journalist or the FA, but poor old Arsene Wenger - scroll down for video. When asked about the Arsenal boss’ “fear of failure” comments, Mourinho went on the attack as he labelled his rival a “specialist in failure”, and went on to slate Wenger’s eight-year trophy drought.
Savage.
2010: “I don't like Italian football and they don't like me”
During his time in Italy Mourinho led Inter Milan to a famous treble, but during his two seasons in charge it’s fair to say that his relationship with the Italian media and football authorities wasn’t great (shock). Prior to the club’s Champions League quarter-final clash against CSKA Moscow, he honestly declared:
“I’m very happy at Inter, but I’m not happy with Italian football.”
When asked why, he responded with:
“Because I don’t like it, and they don’t like me. Simple”
