The FA Cup quarter-final encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United was a heated affair, with Chelsea eventually triumphing 1-0, thanks to a N’Golo Kante strike and a controversial red card shown to Ander Herrera. The match also marked the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge, where he has been the most successful manager in Chelsea’s history.
But it was anything but a heroic welcome for Mourinho, who was abused by a section of the Chelsea supporters. He was taunted with chants of “Judas”, “You are not special anymore” and “It’s all your fault”, the last one due to the fact that Chelsea were hovering above the relegation zone last season when Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea.
Mourinho has now hit back at the Chelsea fans, claiming he still is the greatest manager in the club’s history.
“The fans can call me what they want. I am a professional. I defend my club. Until the moment [Chelsea] have a manager that wins four Premier Leagues for them, I’m the No1. When they have somebody who wins four Premier Leagues for them, I’ll be No2. For this moment, ‘Judas’ is No1.”
Mourinho also refused to criticize referee Mike Oliver, for his sending off of United midfielder Ander Herrera.
“I’m really proud of the guys. Mr Oliver… goes home and can do his own analysis because I don’t want to analyse his work. Compare Herrera’s second yellow card with the foul a couple of minutes later when [Marcus] Rashford goes to attack the space and the Chelsea captain [Gary Cahill] grabs him, stops him in a counter-attack. Mr Oliver does not give a card, not even a yellow.”
One can safely assume that the love story between the Chelsea fans and Jose Mourinho is well and truly over.
