Wesley Sneijder has revealed what Jose Mourinho is like to work with, claiming the Portuguese coach is often the ringleader for squad banter.
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Portuguese coach famed for man-managementForges an 'us against the world' mentalityHas won silverware in just about every roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Former Netherlands international Sneijder played under ‘The Special One’ at Inter, savouring Serie A and Champions League title glory together. Mourinho has also enjoyed considerable success with the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma.
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He is currently calling the shots at Turkish side Fenerbahce, and has often cut a frustrated figure during his time in Istanbul. The 62-year-old is, however, famed for forging a spirit in his ranks that unites those at his disposal in a battle against the world.
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Mourinho can be unconventional in his methods at times, with winning by any means necessary having always been his approach. He is a demanding character, but also likes to have fun in a bid to generate a relaxed camp that frees players to express themselves.
GettyWHAT WESLEY SNEIJDER SAID
Sneijder has told of playing under Mourinho: “If I compare Jose to the rest of the coaches in my career, he was unique.
“Usually, coaches or managers are the leaders of the team, they set the example – every time on a plane or a bus, the coach would most often sit at the front. Mourinho wouldn’t do that. He would sit in the middle with all of us and he was the one who would throw the first pillow at someone or pull the first joke when we landed.
“I remember when we played Chelsea away in the Champions League and a couple of days before the game, he told all of the team to bring our partners with us on the plane. We were a bit confused but did what we were asked. I remember he sat down next to me and my partner.
“I was very relaxed and Jose said ‘Wes, you’re very quiet. Normally you talk a lot but you are very quiet today’. He knew how relaxed I was and he was just brilliant with everyone, whether it was your partner or kids, he just knew what worked.”