Jose Mourinho has sparked a lively debate within football circles by choosing Claudio Ranieri’s Premier League victory with Leicester City as his most admired managerial achievement, even when compared to the decorated careers of Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola. In a recent interview on Obi One Podcast, Mourinho, while acknowledging the difficulty of direct comparisons between different managerial eras, ultimately highlighted the sheer uniqueness of Ranieri’s feat.
Mourinho, known for his impressive trophy haul, expressed immense respect for Ferguson and Guardiola’s consistent success. However, he emphasized that Ranieri’s 2015-16 Premier League win with Leicester, a team initially tipped for relegation, stands apart. He argued that while Ferguson and Guardiola achieved greatness with teams possessing significant resources and established talent, Ranieri’s triumph was a truly unprecedented event.
“They achieved remarkable things,” Mourinho stated, referring to Ferguson and Guardiola, “but Ranieri’s accomplishment was something entirely different.” He pointed out the improbable odds Leicester faced, the lack of big-name signings, and the collective spirit that Ranieri instilled in his squad.
“People talk about Pep, six or seven titles, great,” Mourinho acknowledged, recognizing Guardiola’s dominance in European football. “People talk about Ferguson, amazing, but with the best players, amazing conditions. But Ranieri? No buts.”
Mourinho’s selection underscores the extraordinary nature of Leicester’s title-winning season. He stressed that the feat was a “pure football miracle,” a once-in-a-lifetime event that defied all expectations. He argued that Ranieri’s ability to guide a team of unfancied players to the pinnacle of English football was a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership.
By choosing Ranieri, Mourinho emphasized the achievement’s inherent difficulty. He conveyed that there was no asterisk or qualification needed when assessing Leicester’s victory, highlighting the raw, unadulterated brilliance of the accomplishment. This unexpected endorsement from a managerial heavyweight is sure to fuel discussions about the greatest moments in Premier League history, solidifying Ranieri’s place among football’s most revered figures.
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