Mou reflects on Champions century

Jose Mourinho has reflected on the highs and lows of his first century of games as a Coach in the Champions League.

The Portuguese will reach 100 games as a tactician in the competition on Wednesday when he takes his Real Madrid side to England to face Manchester City.

“Fortunately I was never knocked out of the group stages and therefore managed at least six games per season,” reflected the 49-year-old to Diario Economico.

“It has passed by very quickly. I still remember the first of those games, against Real Madrid with Porto, and it seems like yesterday.

“The best games? There are many, but I especially remember Manchester United-Porto, the game where we felt we could be champions of Europe.

“Also, the Chelsea-Barcelona match in which we won 4-2. And the Inter-Barcelona semi-final in Milan when we won 3-1 and in the return, which I call the ‘game of heroes’. And of course the two finals won.

“But, the two semi-finals, Liverpool-Chelsea and Bayern-Real Madrid recently, both lost on penalties, I can clearly recall too, they hurt!

“The worst moment was the semi-final loss to Liverpool, with the goal where the ball did not enter the goal. Since then I have waited for goalline technology.”

The landmark will be reached in England, a country that he enjoyed success in between 2004 and 2007 with Chelsea.

“It is well known that I like England and the environment around football that they have. But honestly, I would prefer that the 100th was a Real Madrid-Porto game, as it was the first. But, being in England isn’t bad.”

Mourinho was asked which ground provided the best atmosphere during his previous 99 games.

“I know some will criticise me, but I’ll take San Siro when playing at home. They provide unique support.”

The Coach was also asked of the statistics he reaches drawing a parallel with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“You could say that we have both had significant careers with numbers that are indisputable.

“Also, we are both young in our respective professions, we are full of motivation and we able to significantly improve those numbers.”

Finally, Mou was asked if he could become the first Coach to win the Champions League with three different clubs.

“There are great Coaches who have never won a European Cup. I am privileged to have won two, but I have many years ahead of me as a Coach to not stay on the two that I have.”

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