Mourinho rejects claim he is ‘best in the world’

Matt Stead

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has rejected claims that he is the best manager in the world.

Mourinho was appointed United boss in the summer, but has struggled at times this season, with the club currently sixth in the Premier League table.

They head into their final Europa League group-stage game against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday knowing that a draw in Ukraine should be enough to see them qualify for the knock-out rounds.

Opposing manager Yuriy Vernydub admitted on Wednesday that the Portuguese is his “favourite coach”.

“I want to go to Manchester and learn from him because he’s my favourite coach,” he said.

“I think if it’s possible he will teach me how to achieve this level and be the best in the world.”

But Mourinho rejected that claim in his press conference on Wednesday.

“It’s nice to say that,” he said. “I don’t think he’s right – I don’t think there is something like that.

“The best coach in the world doesn’t exist in my opinion.

“Every season one has to win the FIFA Gold Ball but I don’t think there is the best. You can say the best of the year and that I agree. Every year there is one with the most important result. So he is just being nice, no more than that.

“He learns with me the same I learn with him. I try to learn every game. When I play against a team I try to study the team, to read the game during the game and after, which is easier. I try always to learn so if tomorrow I have the chance to learn with him, I want to do so.”