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
Verstappen Takes F1 lead With Win In Spain
Man City Fight Back To Beat Villa And Win Premier League Title
Liverpool Miss Out On Title By One Point
Burnley Relegated After Defeat By Newcastle
Arsenal Hammer Everton But Still Miss Out On Top Four
Underdogs Take A Bite Out Of Experienced Field At PGA Championship
Tiger Woods Withdraws From PGA ChampionsHip
F1 Drivers Shift Debate As Well As Gears
Aston Martin Hit Back At Red Bull Accusations Of Copying
Woods Unsure Of Finishing PGA ChampionsHip After Nightmare Round
Ferrari’s Leclerc Puts In A Late Flyer For Pole In Spain
Man City’s De Bruyne Named Premier League’s Player Of The Season