Arjen Robben: Guardiola and Mourinho Best in the World
Mandatory Credit: Matthias Hangst/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
Bayern Munich and former Chelsea midfielder Arjen Robben revealed in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that he believes Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho are the best managers in the world. Robben has yet to play one full season under Guardiola in Munich but spent three years in Chelsea working under Mourinho. His familiarity with both men gives Robben a unique perspective and given the success both managers have enjoyed, he is probably right in his assessment.
Robben’s full comments on Pep and Jose:
"“They are completely different… but in some ways they are similar. Football has different philosophies and ways of working. They are both true winners. They are probably the best tactically. They live and breathe football and think about matches day and night. I’ve had the privilege of working with such greats as Van Gaal, who coaches the Netherlands now, Heynckes at Bayern and Hiddink at PSV.”"
Guardiola and Mourinho enjoyed what some may a call a “healthy” rivalry when the two were managing Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga. They took shots at each other through the media much the same way Mourinho did and still does with other rivals like Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez. It will come as no surprise that either manager is seen as the best in the business given the success they enjoyed with their respective clubs. Guardiola seemed to be a one club man as he won countless trophies with Barca but Mourinho took a more journeyman approach as he won every where he went. If the two meet in the Champions League again this year the storylines and mind games will be full throttle.
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