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There are two reasons as to why this piece exists. One because I like alliteration.
Perhaps more importantly, it exists because three-time Premier League winner, two-time Champions League winner and current Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho recently made a comment that did in fact frustrate me.
Following United’s home loss to Tottenham, Mourinho demanded “Respect, respect, respect” from the media. To that I agree, Jose is a world class manager, one only needs to look at his past records to see that he is justified in asking for some courtesy but for me I feel, respect is a two-way street.
In order to be a successful leader of course one needs to elicit admiration but what’s more important is to give others at least some civility. Frankly I am sick to death of Mourinho’s hubris blinding him to this basic necessity.
Jose Mourinho, manager of Manchester United (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Let’s delve into a more recent example, United vs West Ham. Following the loss, the defeated man responded to the press by stating Felipe Anderson’s goal was offside, dismissing the second as a lucky own goal and insisting Michael Oliver made a mistake by not noticing the foul on Marcus Rashford.
By discrediting a valiant West Ham who fully deserved the win, I am sorry to say Mourinho invites the criticism. By refusing to acknowledge a poor performance from his own side Mourinho invites the criticism.
By withholding praise for anyone but himself (excluding on rare occurrences) the Man Utd manager creates an aura of supremacy which ultimately leaves him open to criticism when his side does not meet the expectations that he sets on the opposition.
Don’t get me wrong, Mourinho has some leverage. In his first season he won the Europa League to force United into the Champions League. He showed perseverance. Nobody dismissed his side as being lucky to scrape through, it was deserved. Mourinho could at least show this same humility to when his side is well and truly outplayed.
This lack of respect for opposition is baffling but what is even more frustrating is his treatment of players.
Of course the highest profile of these has been Paul Pogba. Contrary to what people are expecting I don’t believe Mourinho to be in the wrong here, I do argue however that it is a combination of both the player and the coach severely lacking in appreciation for one another.
I understand both complaints. Pogba is being egocentric and Mourinho is being arrogant but at the end of the day Mourinho is the manager and Pogba the player. While I believe Jose should listen to Pogba, he is ultimately the manager and can do as he wishes however Mourinho should brace himself for the criticism that comes with it.
Is there something escalating here? It’s probable. Is any party in the right? No, both Pogba and Mourinho believe they are above criticism and it needs to stop.
However, while I can forgive Mourinho for this particular outburst, his treatment of Anthony Martial has been poor at the best of times. Every time Martial is included into the squad and United lose he is quick to point the finger.
Anthony Martial in happier times. (AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFF)
Following the West Ham defeat Jose defensively stated “Look for how many months people are asking for Martial and then proceeded to criticise the player as not being very focused on his defensive duties.”
Personally I feel Martial did underperform in that game but at the same time I do not feel like Alexis Sanchez would have been the better choice given his poor form in recent memory and he should have been dropped because of it.
Jose would make the claim that “No player is bigger than the club” and likewise the inverse holds true, no manager is bigger than the club. Yet this doesn’t stop very public disagreements over transfer policy and arguing with fans over line ups.
The inability to hold oneself to their own code of conduct is partly why Mourinho finds himself in these situations time and time again. It’s exhausting and painful to watch. He expects others to behave in a respectful manner towards him but refuses to do the same for others and then cries fowl when the media criticizes him for it.
To address the inevitable “What about Klopp? He hasn’t won anything” comparisons I’m likely to receive let me explain why Jurgen fails to be criticised nearly as much as Mourinho.
In an interview with Eir Sport in February this year, Klopp revealed his philosophy; Gesamtkunstwerk – “To create a situation where everybody feels important, enjoys themselves… feels respect and feels needed”.
Does Mourinho create that environment? No.
If anything, it’s the opposite. Pogba isn’t enjoying himself, Martial isn’t enjoying himself nor does he feel needed at the club and the result?
The pitiful performance against West Ham. Klopp being able to avoid media criticism isn’t because the media has a campaign against Mourinho it’s because Klopp isn’t attacking everyone every minute of every day.
Mourinho might call for “respect man respect” but until he starts showing it for others then myself and other United fans are going to lose the admiration we had for him upon his appointment in 2016.
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