Jose Mourinho was no stranger to the Premier League or Manchester United before taking charge of the club last May, given his two successful stints as manager of Chelsea over the last thirteen years. Now, having left London for Zenit St. Petersburg this January having spent nine years at the club, former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has opened up about what it’s like to play under Mourinho; and it could act as a stark warning to United’s players.
“They call Mourinho the Special One, and I think he is,” Ivanovic told Sport Express via Manchester Evening News. “If you win, his trust knows no bounds. He will make you fulfil the potential you were not even aware of.
“Training was unique under Mourinho. He sometimes plays mind games with the press, but when it comes to the most important things, the matches themselves, he is always very serious. If you want to play for Mourinho, you have to follow his demands.
“Mourinho helps to develop the best qualities – professional and personal. You can’t be indifferent to him. You either love him or hate him. That’s what makes him special. I am glad that I had a chance to work with him.”
