The One Big Reason Why Samuel Eto’o Rates Jose Mourinho Over Pep Guardiola

• Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho have defined coaching since the turn of the millennium
• The styles of the two legendary managers differ from each other, yet their desire to attain success remains unparalleled
• Former Barcelona and Inter Milan star, Samuel Etoo'o, who played for both Jose and Pep, once had a take on who he rates higher

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola share only one thing in common as managers, but the Portuguese coach excels in motivating his players more than the Manchester City tactician.

This is the opinion of former Barcelona, Inter, and Chelsea forward Samuel Eto’o, who won the Champions League with both legendary bosses.

Eto'o, who retired last year after a stint with Qatar SC, was recently asked about two of modern football's most influential coaches.

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When questioned about the similarities between Mourinho and Guardiola, Eto'o acknowledged there were few, and he expressed a preference for the former Real Madrid boss's style.

In a 2021 interview with Sportbible, Eto’o said:

"I am more aligned with Jose Mourinho's style. It's a matter of personal preference; they each have their own approach, but I prefer Jose Mourinho."

"However, Pep is a top-tier coach, so it's hard to choose definitively, but I can say that no other manager motivates his players as much as Jose Mourinho. The treble with Jose was something special for me."

"Today, there are many coaches with their own styles. Yet, when it comes to motivation and getting the best out of their players, Jose Mourinho stands out."

Eto'o won the treble with Messi and Barcelona in 2008/09 before moving to Inter and achieving the same feat under Mourinho.

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Jose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola

Mourinho and Guardiola were once colleagues at Barcelona but later became fierce adversaries as managers.

They have been two of the most influential figures in football since the early 2000s, achieving remarkable success throughout their careers.

Their rivalry intensified during a memorable Champions League semi-final clash between Inter and Barcelona, as noted by GOAL.

It reached a boiling point when Mourinho took charge of Real Madrid, resulting in controversial incidents such as Mourinho poking Guardiola's assistant, Tito Vilanova, in the eye during a heated Clasico in 2011.

Expectations were high for more drama when Guardiola became the manager of Manchester City in 2016, with Mourinho at the helm of Manchester United.

However, the anticipated rivalry failed to live up to its full potential as City dominated the Premier League, clinching the title with a record-breaking 100 points.

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Even if Guardiola were to retire today, his legacy as one of football's greatest managers is firmly secured, adorned with countless moments of brilliance and greatness.

Sports Brief delves into the top seven strikers who have graced the field under the tutelage of the Spanish maestro, featuring stars like Sergio Aguero and Samuel Eto'o.