Recent revelations from Paulo Dybala on Jose Mourinho have shed light on Mourinho’s delight following Argentina’s victory over France in the FIFA World Cup final 2022. Dybala who plays for AS Roma under Jose Mourinho has always been one of Mourinho’s favorite. However, he’s not the only Argentine who sparks the interest of the ‘special one’.
In an interview with journalist Gaston Edul, Dybala shed light on Mourinho’s affection for the Argentinian players. He shared the manager’s admiration not just for him but also for Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria.
Dybala went on saying, “When the final against France ended, I was in the traiditonal doping room, then I get to the locker room, I grab the phone to talk to my family and I had 5 missed calls from Mou.”
Paulo Dybala on Jose Mourinho and how he was happy on Argentina’s World Cup victory:
“When the final against France ended, I was in the traiditonal doping room, then I get to the locker room, I grab the phone to talk to my family and I had 5 missed calls from Mou.
“I think I… pic.twitter.com/wfATxSfyPx
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) November 7, 2023
“I think I called him first than my mother. He was very happy because he loves Argentines. He always says wonderful things to me about Di Maria, and Messi too, he loves him. He has great affection to all the Argentines,” he added.
Having played 46 matches under Mourinho’s guidance at AS Roma, Dybala’s impressive record of 20 goals and 11 assists highlights his integral role in the Serie A club’s starting XI.
Mourinho’s fondness for Argentine players is nothing short of a surprising revelation. Having previously worked with many Argentines throughout his managerial career, he has often expressed admiration for players like Messi, Di Maria, and Dybala.
Jose Mourinho’s admiration for Lionel Messi
Known to the soccer world for his outspoken nature, Jose Mourinho has been a fan of Argentine sensation Lionel Messi for years now.
The former Real Madrid manager’s praise for Messi dates back several years when he openly acknowledged the unparalleled challenge posed by the Argentine magician on the field. Mourinho admitted in a 2015 interview via talkSPORT that Messi was the most formidable opponent he had ever encountered.
“Messi is the most dangerous opponent I’ve ever had. Every time I had to face him, I spent hours and hours thinking about how to stop him collectively because it’s impossible to mark the man,” Mourinho emphasized, acknowledging the unique challenge that Messi presented to any opposing team.
Jose Mourinho on MESSI
🎙️Reporter: Is messi the most dangerous player in the world🗣️Mourinho: Messi is the most dangerous opponent I’ve ever had. Every time I had to face him, I spent hours and hours thinking about how to stop him collectively, because it’s impossible to mark… pic.twitter.com/5SoZTDIIW9
— Wes topfan (@CFC__Fofana) November 6, 2023
In 2019, Mourinho showed his admiration for Messi by saying. “Messi is Messi. I’m not saying he’s ‘The Special One’ of this week because he’s ‘The Special One’ of all time. He is the God of football. We’ll cry when he retires.”
There were reports a few months back about a potential managerial stint for Mourinho at Paris Saint-Germain while Messi was still there before joining Inter Miami. Following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino, the doors were open for the Portuguese manager to manage Messi for the first time. However, Mourinho continued his tenure at AS Roma, while PSG eventually appointed Christopher Galiter.