05 February 2023 , 16:26
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Jose Mourinho's managerial prowess has been dismantled in an extraordinary, scathing verbal barrage from former Italy forward Antonio Cassano.
The Roma manager has been told in no uncertain terms that he "has never been a great coach" and instead is a master manipulator of the media. That is despite Mourinho being widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, having won the Champions League twice and numerous league titles across Europe.
The Portuguese was the first boss to win the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga and led Roma to Europa Conference League glory in his first season at the helm. This campaign, the Italian giants are pushing for Champions League qualification and sit third in the table, yet ex-Giallorossi frontman Cassano is not convinced by Mourinho's ability in the slightest.
"Mourinho has never been a great coach, he just knew how to play the media and was a great communicator," the 40-year-old told Christian Vieiri's BoboTV podcast. "He is good at dealing with strong players, not ones who aren't very good. It's too easy to just be friendly with great players.
"It is just a disaster upon a disaster at Roma. He got them to spend money on Nemanja Matic and Rui Patricio, they were his decisions. The other day, that performance made me want to be sick. He doesn't know how to set out a team. Even with your second-string squad, you need to beat Cremonese."
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Cassano was speaking after Roma were knocked out of the Coppa Italia at the quarter-final stage with a 2-1 defeat at home to Cremonese, who sit rock bottom of Serie A. However, Mourinho's side bounced back on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Empoli at Stadio Olimpico.
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Former Italy forward Antonio Cassano issued a withering verdict on Jose Mourinho's ability (Getty Images)The 60-year-old received further criticism from Cassano for his handling of Rick Karsdorp and Nicolo Zaniolo, who have endured public fallings-out with their manager. "It was Mourinho’s disaster with Karsdorp, putting him in the stocks, disintegrating and insulting him in front of everyone," Cassano added.
"Now, Karsdorp is coming back; who knows why? So, that was one mess. As for Zaniolo, he gets to talk about that and not why his Roma team plays like c***. It's been a year and a half that this Roma side hasn't played proper football."
Mourinho is unlikely to be fazed by Cassano's comments as he prepares for the business end of the season. Having managed the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham across his hugely decorated career, the veteran's status as an all-time footballing great is secure, but he will be desperate to add to his legacy in the years to come.