Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho says he is honoured Juventus boss Antonio Conte is described as the Italian Special One.
Conte steered Juve to the Serie A title last season, after leaving modest Siena and returning to the club he spent 13 years with as a player, and Mourinho did not disguise his admiration for the 43-year-old.
“I like that the fans call Conte the Italian Special One,” Mourinho, the original Special One, told Tuttosport. “I feel honoured.
“I like Conte a lot as a Coach,” Mourinho added. “He is a bit like me. He knows what he wants and is a real winner. He has a lot of charisma.”
Conte is currently serving a 10-month touchline ban as part of match fixing sentences in Italy, but the Portuguese tactician expects the Old Lady to do well on their return to the Champions League in two weeks’ time.
“Can Juventus surprise in the Champions League? Let's not kid anyone. Juventus are a big team in Europe and it would be absolutely normal if they go far in the competition,” stressed Mourinho.
“The surprise would be if they go all the way and win it after not playing in Europe last year. But it would not surprise me at all if they make it to the quarters or semi-finals.”
