The Top 8 Famous Players Who Faced Jose Mourinho's Criticism

• Jose Mourinho's public critiques of players can occasionally serve as motivation for them to defy his expectations
• His ability to evaluate a player's demeanour and mindset renders him a proficient manager
• However, a few players failed to react positively to Mourinho's criticism, leading to a decline in their careers

Jose Mourinho has consistently shown a reluctance to hold back his words when he believes a player warrants criticism. It's evident that some players are more receptive to his feedback than others.

The Portuguese manager is recognized for employing public platforms to spark his players' drive, often by redirecting any accountability away from them and onto himself.

Nonetheless, there have been instances where 'the Special One' deemed it fitting to openly criticise his own player in public, aiming to ignite their concentration and determination to prove him wrong.

Both strategies have their pros and cons, but each has to be implemented for the right player based on their personality and how they will react.

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Sports Brief looks at the eight players that the legendary manager has lambasted over the course of his career.

Paul Pogba

A major conflict unfolded between Pogba and Mourinho just prior to the manager's departure from the club in 2018, per the Mirror.

Mourinho had asserted that the French midfielder had a negative impact on team dynamics, whereas Pogba was critical of the tactical approaches employed by the manager.

Subsequently, Pogba wrapped up his second tenure at United and embarked on a fresh chapter in his return to Juventus.

Juan Mata

The sudden departure of the talented Spaniard from the Chelsea team was surprising to numerous football fans.

Ultimately, he made his way to Manchester United. This turn of events was unexpected because he had secured the club's Player of the Year accolade for consecutive seasons.

However, with Mourinho taking the reins, Mata's situation shifted. It became evident that the Brazilian midfielder, Oscar, was the preferred choice in the position previously occupied by Mata. Mourinho's arrival marked the start of a challenging period for Mata, as he was urged to conform to the manager's playing style.

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Sergio Ramos

Ramos and Mourinho have engaged in public conflicts on multiple instances, according to Give Me Sport.

There seems to be a certain aspect of the Spanish defender that led Mourinho to believe that public critique would ignite a competitive spark within him. Many of these instances revolve around errors committed during specific matches, which the manager emphasized in his interviews.

Iker Casillas

At the outset, benching Iker Casillas by the 'Special One' was intended to make a statement and extract improved performances.

However, this move strained their relationship irreparably, leading to both sides exchanging criticisms through media outlets in the subsequent years.

Eden Hazard

The challenges faced by the Belgian winger during his tenure in Madrid, following his transfer from Chelsea in 2019, are widely known. His previous manager from Stamford Bridge openly criticized his lacklustre training attitude and raised concerns about his professionalism. The prominent player encountered numerous injuries and fitness setbacks, resulting in a disappointing period in Spain.

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He has recently left the club, and there are rumours suggesting that he might even be considering retiring from the sport altogether, given the disheartening experiences he endured over the past couple of years.

Samuel Eto'o

The remarks made by Mourinho, who had managed the Cameroon international at Chelsea and Inter Milan, implying that he was past his prime in his career, did not sit well with him.

Eto'o's memorable response was his 'Old Man' celebration, displayed after scoring a goal, which remains etched in people's memories.

Luke Shaw

During their time together at Manchester United, it seems evident that a personal conflict existed between the two, considering the persistent public scrutiny the player faced from his manager.

The press consistently highlighted the player's mistakes in matches and his demeanour, both of which were subjects of inquiry by Mourinho. This critical evaluation of the player extended even after the Portuguese manager's tenure at Old Trafford came to an end.

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Anthony Martial

Can we assert that Mourinho possibly wasn't entirely content with his squad during his time at Man United?

It certainly seems so, given that Martial wasn't pleased with the remarks about his perceived 'character shortcomings' that were publicized.

He expressed a preference for a private dialogue on the subject instead.

Mourinho falls out with Matic

Sports Brief reported earlier that Jose Mourinho's relationship with Nemanja Matic has reportedly reached a point of no return, with the midfielder closing in on an exit from AS Roma.

Matic only joined Roma last summer on a free transfer from Manchester United but is now set for a sensational move to Ligue 1 side Rennes.