Samuel Eto’o has revealed his working experience with Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. The four time African Footballer of the year was fortunate to be tutored by both managers during his playing days.

Eto’o was a UEFA Champions League winner under both coaches. The Cameroonian, won the prize at Barcelona under Pep in 2005-06 and 2008-2009 and with Mourinho at Inter Milan in 2009-10.

Eto’o also worked with Mourinho at Chelsea in 2013/2014.

The 39 year-old has previously spoken he did not enjoy working under Guardiola the person, but  Guardiola the coach.

“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.”

The same cannot be said about Jose Mourinho though, Eto’o insists that the Portuguese is a much more friendly than he is often portrayed by many people.

“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 having 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.”

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer