Eto'o Explains The Difference Between Mourinho And Guardiola

By Ibrahim Taiwo, The Nigerian Voice Sports

African Football Legend, Samuel Eto'o Fils has opened up on the difference between two managers that are highly revered in football management, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

The former Inter Milan star is one of the few players to have played under both managers, and he has never hidden his dislike for the Manchester City manager.

Eto'o played under Guardiola at Barcelona, he also played a key role in the Inter Milan team that won the Uefa Champions League under Jose Mourinho, he also enjoyed a brief spell under the Portuguese gaffer at Chelsea.

"I stick to what I said, and I'm not the only person who has said it," Eto'o told Marca.

"My experience with Pep at Barcelona was what it was, but on a personal level, it wasn't what we hoped for. Many players have said the same about him.

"As a coach, Pep prepares games like nobody else. How he coached us in 2009 was incredible, his way of seeing attacking football, control, having the ball, rondos, Pep was the best at that.

"As a player, you had the feeling that you didn't run much, although you did because you were enjoying it.

"They are specific techniques for those of us who love good football. For me, football is feeling like you're in a theatre, and seeing tikitaka, passing the ball, it's not the only way to win but its special. It's Pep's way."

When it comes to Mourinho though, Eto'o insists that the Portuguese is a much warmer figure than he is often portrayed as.

"Jose is, firstly, a friend," Eto'o continued.
"He's a person who's upfront and when he doesn't like something, he tells you. We both have strong temperaments and we understood each other well.

"He's one of the best people I have found in football. People try to present him as controversial, but it's a lie. What happens is that life, and football, is hypocritical and they prefer that to have honest people.

"Mou is a top guy. The other thing is that he only cares about the result. It's his way of seeing football and in that sense, he is the number one. Beating him at his game is impossible, you can never beat him.

"He's a winner and a born leader. He spoke to you with the right words. He's great."

Eto'o won the Uefa Champions League trophy under both managers in 2009 and 2010 respectively.