Jose Mourinho highlighted the importance of not losing against Dynamos Kyiv in his press-conference and he also suggested that journalist should not blame his players for being dishonest as they will not take it easy if someone calls them dishonest journalists. We bring the excerpts from Mourinho’s press-conference ahead of the Kyiv clash.
Mourinho on the game against Dynamo Kyiv
‘The match tomorrow is not a must win, it’s a must not lose. Our situation in the Champions League is not phenomenal but it’s an absolutely normal situation. We have an important game tomorrow but I repeat it’s not a game we have to win, like a knockout match. I am convinced we can finish first, and if not first, second.’
Mourinho on fighting the current situation
‘Yesterday a friend sent me some quotes of my press conference after the Champions League final in May 2004 that I had forgotten about.
‘I said then that one day in my career bad results would come. I said that in 2004 after winning the Champions League final with Porto. I said one day bad results would come and I would face them with the same honesty and dignity I am facing now as a European champion. May 2004.
‘Eleven years later I have resisted the nature of my job well, and the nature of football well, waiting for this. It took time but it’s come in a moment where I am stable and strong to face it.’
Mourinho on claims of player revolt against him
‘It’s a very sad accusation because you are accusing a player, or more than one player, of dishonesty. If I accuse you of being a dishonest journalist I think you would be very upset and probably take legal action. I think it’s a question for the players, not for me.’
Mourinho on his players giving their 100%
‘They have been giving their best every minute of every training session; giving solidarity between all of us; [they have a] fantastic personal relationship and a very good professional relationship. They are training always to the limit of quality and effort, and always with the strong desire to try to win the next match which is what we are going to try to do tomorrow.’