Former Chelsea and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o has explained that he enjoyed playing under Jose Mourinho more than he did under Pep Guardiola.
The Cameroon striker played for both managers, and he feels that Mourinho was like a friend and he had a more personal touch with the players.
Whereas, Guardiola is distant with his players despite being an incredible coach.
Eto’o explained that Guardiola prepares for games like no other manager and his attacking football was a delight to be part of.
On the other hand, Mourinho is more upfront with his approach, and he has a temperament.
There is no doubt that both managers are world-class and undoubtedly the best of their generation. They have proven themselves at every level and with different clubs.
The two had a great rivalry at Real Madrid – Barcelona, and both of them managed to get one over the other from time to time.
“I stick to what I said, and I’m not the only person who has said it,” Eto’o told Marca.
“My experience with Pep at Barcelona was what it was, but on a personal level, it wasn’t what we hoped for. Many players have said the same about him.
“As a coach, Pep prepares games like nobody else. How he coached us in 2009 was incredible, his way of seeing attacking football, control, having the ball, rondos, Pep was the best at that.
“As a player, you had the feeling that you didn’t run much, although you did because you were enjoying it.
“They are specific techniques for those of us who love good football. For me, football is feeling like you’re in a theatre, and seeing tikitaka, passing the ball, it’s not the only way to win but its special. It’s Pep’s way.”
“Jose is, firstly, a friend,” Eto’o continued.
“He’s a person who’s upfront, and when he doesn’t like something, he tells you. We both have strong temperaments, and we understood each other well.
“He’s one of the best people I have found in football. People try to present him as controversial, but it’s a lie. What happens is that life and football is hypocritical and they prefer that to have honest people.
“Mou is a top guy. The other thing is that he only cares about the result. It’s his way of seeing football, and in that sense, he is the number one. Beating him at his game is impossible; you can never beat him.
“He’s a winner and a born leader. He spoke to you with the right words. He’s great.”