Recently, Cricket Exchange reports that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino publicly praised José Mourinho, calling him one of the best coaches in the world. Ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup semifinal clash with Manchester United, Pochettino took the opportunity to defend both his own players and his managerial peer. Reflecting on their recent loss to Manchester City, where goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a few high-profile mistakes, Pochettino stood firmly by his captain, saying, “To me, that wasn’t a mistake.”
Pochettino emphasized that Lloris is among the world’s top goalkeepers, having consistently performed at the highest level for the past four years. “He keeps improving every season,” he said. “We’re very lucky to have him guarding our goal.” His comments were not just about protecting a player — they were also a nod to the unity and belief he fosters within the squad, a trait Mourinho himself has been known for during his career.
Despite the fierce rivalry between Mourinho and Pep Guardiola on the pitch, an unexpected piece of art in Barcelona shows a different kind of narrative. A street mural on Gràcia Avenue portrays Guardiola and Mourinho sharing a kiss — a symbolic depiction that has sparked plenty of debate. Guardiola is seen wearing a yellow tie and a yellow ribbon, symbols commonly associated with support for Catalan independence. The artwork comes from the same street artist who previously made headlines with a mural of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi kissing — a clear nod to how football rivalries often extend far beyond the pitch.
In terms of performance, Pochettino acknowledged that Manchester United were having a strong season under Mourinho’s leadership. “He doesn’t need to prove to anyone that he’s one of the best,” said Pochettino. “Manchester United are doing a fantastic job this year. Yes, both our teams were knocked out of the Champions League, but they’ve collected more points in the Premier League — that shows their consistency.”
As both managers prepared to face off in one of the most high-stakes domestic competitions, the mutual respect between them offered a rare moment of reflection in an otherwise cutthroat sport. Pochettino’s recognition of Mourinho’s legacy and ongoing success spoke volumes about the Portuguese manager’s enduring influence on world football.
Cricket Exchange concludes that no matter the outcome of the FA Cup semifinal, Mourinho’s status as one of the game’s great tacticians remains undisputed — a manager who continues to prove his worth season after season.