Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has
sent his best wishes to departing
Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola.
Citing mental fatigue from his four-year
spell in the Barcelona dugout, Guardiola
revealed last week that he will step down
from his position at the end of the season.
Assistant Tito Vilanova will replace the
former Spain international as head coach
of the Catalan giants.
“I don’t have to comment on Guardiola.
It’s his decision. When they fire us, we
deserve solidarity, and in many cases the
clubs deserve criticism, but Guardiola’s case is
completely different.
“It’s a personal decision, he knows it. He has to
comment on it, say what makes him happiest at
any moment.
“That’s why there is no feeling of going against
anybody, or of feeling sorry for anybody. The
most important thing is that he is happy with his
decision.
“I have been a coach for 12 years, and me being
worn out will be in June when there are no
games or training sessions. But everyone is
different, and you have to accept that. I hope
Guardiola enjoys his time off and I send him a
big hug from here.”
Mourinho also revealed that becoming the first
manager to win titles in England, Italy and
Spain would be very special to him as he sits on
the verge of a first La Liga title with Real.
The Spanish giants will be crowned champions if
they defeat Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, which
would add to domestic titles Mourinho
previously won with Chelsea and Inter Milan, as
well as FC Porto.
“Until the title is won, it’s hypothetical.
Normally I’m calm. It will not be my last league,
there will be another opportunity to celebrate
again so I’m not a man of great celebrations,”
Mourinho said.
“But I’ve never hidden that one of my goals was
to win the three major leagues in world football
and if I do, I’m sure it will be a moment of great
joy for me.”
Mourinho respects Guardiola decision
