Jose Mourinho has managed some of the best players and teams of the last 20 years, so it might come as little surprise that none of this struggling Tottenham squad makes it into his all-time XI of players he has managed.
The Portuguese revealed to Spanish outlet Marca the identify of his star-studded team, which included eight players from two Chelsea spells.
MORE: “Now He Hates The Chelsea” – Jose Gets First Spurs Chant [Video]
The core of his 2004-2008 team is replicated here, with Petr Cech in goal behind a centre-back partnership of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard in midfield and Didier Drogba up top.
Mourinho also finds room for William Gallas at left-back, ahead of the likes of Ashley Cole, Marcelo and, stunningly, Ben Davies. The Frenchman who later moved to Spurs is the closest to representation we get in the side.
Eden Hazard is a surprise inclusion as the No.10 as the Belgian dropped anchor in Mourinho’s final season at Stamford Bridge. Javier Zanetti, captain of his Inter Milan Champions League-winning side, and the stars of his Real Madrid team – Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo – make up the XI.
Here is the team in full – the obvious irony being that if Mourinho had all of these players at his disposal he would never name a midfield which was that attacking.
Bizarre to have Gallas ahead of Marcello one of the best left backs in the world over the last 10 years, and Cole. Then again, if you’re a park the bus merchant, I guess you can afford to play a CB at LB.
Some surprising players left out.Casillas,A.Cole,Marcello,Ramos,Deco,Robben,Eto’o,Ibrahimovic what a choice.
Amazing players. I would have ashley cole instead of gallas. Robben instead of ozil. Essien or ballack instead of hazard.. Ibrahimovic verses drogba is a tough one… Notice all these outstanding players, were best in the world, but have long retired… Eto was at chelsea as well 😷 samuel eto was so so good.
Swap hazard for Celly🌚.