José Mourinho has taken a swipe at Tottenham and their chairman, Daniel Levy, by revealing Spurs are “the only [former] club in my career where I don’t have still a deep feeling”.
The Roma manager made the comments in a press conference before next week’s Europa League final against Sevilla, where Mourinho is hoping to secure back-to-back European trophies after winning the inaugural Europa Conference League last year.
Mourinho, who has been linked to the Paris Saint-Germain job, underlined the importance of enjoying the final but added that he “will for ever be tied to Roma”. The 60-year-old included Porto, Inter, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United as other clubs where he still “feels a connection” – but said Spurs were the exception.
“I hope the Tottenham fans don’t get me wrong, but the only club in my career where I don’t have still a deep feeling for is Tottenham,” Mourinho said. “Probably because the stadium was empty, Covid time. Probably because Mr Levy didn’t let me win a final and win a trophy.”
Mourinho was sacked by Spurs in April 2021 after 17 months in charge, six days before the Carabao Cup final – which they lost to Manchester City under their interim manager, Ryan Mason, who is now back in temporary charge.
“It’s the only one – all the [other] clubs I feel a connection. Maybe people [will say] you cannot love every club. Yes, I love every club!” Mourinho added. “With Roma, we will be connected forever, like all my previous clubs – except Mr Levy’s club.”
Mourinho‘s comments came after the Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot, ended speculation over a possible move to the Premier League club. Slot, who guided the Rotterdam club to the Dutch title this season, has said he is discussing a contract extension and “my wish is to stay at Feyenoord”.
Looking ahead to next Wednesday’s Europa League final in Budapest, Mourinho revealed that the forward Paulo Dybala could miss the game. The 29-year-old, who has scored 16 goals and has eight assists across all competitions this season, is yet to recover full fitness after picking up an ankle injury at the end of April.
“I don’t think he can play. I hope he can make it for the bench … and play 15 or 20 minutes,” the Portuguese said. Roma are four points off the top four with two league games left, at Fiorentina on Saturday and at home to Spezia next Sunday – so the meeting with Sevilla for the prize of a Champions League spot is Mourinho’s priority.
