Encomium
Jose Mourinho had his first press conference as a Manchester United manager today, July 5, 2016 (at Old Trafford, Manchester, the United Kingdom) as he was officially unveiled.
The Portuguese made it clear he was well prepared for the job and that he had outlined four critical positions in the squad that needed strengthening.
“I want specialists. We decided four targets and we have three already. Until we have the fourth, we are still working hard. Myself, the structure, Mr Woodward, the owners – we are working hard on that. When we have the fourth, I breathe, we all breathe. We will not get the fourth on 31st August. We will get it before that and then we are stable.
I am very clear in my approach and model to play and I need specialists in that. I like one or two multi-functional because you need them when you are in a bit of trouble,” he said.
Forget the last few years: “For United fans success was routine, I want the players to forget the last few years. Because what is to do better? To finish 4th? I am 53, I am a very young manager, if I am not going for big challenges then I am in trouble.
“I want everything. I want to win matches, I want to play well, I don’t want to concede goals. I want the fans to be behind us. Of course we’re not going to get everything but we want to.
“Manchester United is a Champions League club. In July 2017, instead of waiting for Europa League play-offs, we make sure this club is where it is meant to be – the Champions League.”
I have no point to prove: “There are some managers who haven’t won titles for 10 years. Some of them never. The last time I won was a year ago. If I have something to prove, imagine the others. That’s my feeling. I feel that I have to prove not to the others, but to myself. I would never be able to work without success, that is my nature.”
I have great motivation: “It’s a job everyone wants and not many have, and I have it. I know what the fans expect from me.
“This challenge doesn’t make me nervous, it comes in the right moment for my career. I have great motivation. I am where I want to be. I want to be in this club, in this county, in the domestic cups.
“It would be quite pragmatic to say let’s work and let’s try to be back to the Champions League, be back to the top four. I am not good on that and I didn’t want to be good on that. I am more aggressive. We want to win.”
On Wayne Rooney: “Maybe he is not a striker any more, maybe he is not a number nine any more, but with me he will never be a number six or somebody who plays 50 meters away from the goal.
“Yes, his pass is amazing, but my pass is also amazing without pressure. To be there, to put the ball in the net, is the most difficult thing you have to find.
“For me, he will be a number nine, a 10, a nine-and-a-half but not a six. Not even an eight.
“There is something that will never change which is the appetite, the natural appetite, to put the ball in the net.”
- Daniel Fayemi for encomium.nf
