Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho said he had learnt to turn a deaf ear to the criticism of his coaching methods and that he remains “one of the most important managers” in the game.
Mourinho started his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 and has since managed trophy-winning sides at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The Portuguese boss was hired to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs because of his record of claiming trophies but finds himself under pressure with his team slipping to sixth in the Premier League after leading the table in November.
The north London club were also knocked out of the Europa League this month after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in the round of 16.
“I don’t think anybody is going to discuss rocket science with the guys from NASA, with everybody around the world,” Mourinho said in a virtual event organised by the club’s sponsor.
“They think they can discuss football with one of the most important managers in the game. That’s the beauty of football.
“I got used to it. I appreciate that. So that’s fine for me.”
The 58-year-old said his supporters, whom he labelled ‘Mourinistas’, motivate him to bounce back from a difficult spell.
“I used to call them the Mourinistas, because in Portugal we use ‘ista’ in the end of the name of the club that we love, to express the support,” he said.
“I have so many Mourinistas around the world that I play for them.”
Spurs play away to Newcastle United in the English top-flight on April 4 after the international break.
More Stories
Bavuma Ton Leads Proteas To Series Win Over England
Brighton Strike late to knock holders Liverpool out of FA Cup
Djokovic Gave Everything To Overcome Injury – Ivanisevic
Emotional Djokovic Hails Biggest Victory Of His life
Ronaldo’s Saudi Switch Another Symbol Of Chinese Decline
Lakers Fume Over Referee Decision In Overtime Loss To Celtics
Tsitsipas Thriving After Wake-Up Call – McEnroe
Mind Your Language! Wales Coach Gatland Raises Concerns Over Netflix Documentary
Son Hits Double For Tottenham And Casemiro Bags Brace For Man Utd In Cup Wins
Casemiro Scores Twice As Man Utd Beat Reading In FA Cup
Salah Struggling As Liverpool’s Front Three No longer ‘Well-Drilled’ – Klopp
FIA Defends Ben Sulayem After Reported Sexist Comments