Mourinho attacks 'parasite' pundits
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has labelled ex-managers who work as football pundits “parasites” in reaction to criticism about him.
The Blues boss, who is reportedly set to sign a new £9million-per season contract to make him the highest-paid manager in England, hit out at former peers and said: “Get to work you idle scoundrel!”
Recent events such as the Anders Frisk affair, which saw the Swedish referee retire after receiving death threats from supporters following Mourinho’s claims he had met with Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard at half-time in their Champions League clash, have prompted criticism from many in the game, including television analysts such as Gordon Strachan, Sir Bobby Robson, Liverpool legend Alan Hansen and others.
Mourinho told the Sunday Express: “The best job in the world is to be a sacked coach. You get up at 10.30am, take breakfast, go for a jog followed by a sauna and a calm surf of sporting sites on the net.
“Lunch with friends, a siesta, a walk, a meeting with your adviser to see how the markets are doing, a visit to the bank to weigh up the interest rates, or to see if the salary the club is still paying you has cleared the account.
“Return home, have a great meal with the family. That still leaves you time to criticise people you don’t know.
“There are so many coaches in this world who want to work but can’t and there are those dashing blades who, through their quality and prestige, could work but don’t want to, because life as a parasite fulfils them professionally and economically.
“Get to work you idle scoundrel! And if you don’t want to, let others work in peace.”
According to the News of the World, Mourinho will sign a £6million basic annual contract with up to £3million in bonuses.
His £115,000 weekly basic wage easily surpasses that of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and his main rivals in the Barclays Premiership, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, who earn approximately £3million.
