Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho talked about how winning trophies is becoming a harder task. United are to play Southampton on Sunday in the EFL Cup final for which they are strong favorites.
Mourinho has already clinched one trophy by defeating Leicester City in the Community Shield at the start of the season. However this is a relatively minor triumph compared to the team’s hopes of winning the FA Cup and Europa League this year. Manchester United has also enjoyed a good run of form in the Premier League. But there are 12 points separating them and leaders Chelsea.
Mourinho is a manager accustomed to Premier League success. Since his debut in England, with Chelsea in 2004, he has won the title three times. He also won trophies for Porto, Inter and Real Madrid. Despite all of this, Mourinho says that as football is changing. He says it is becoming harder for teams of United’s stature to win silverware.
“It’s a good thing for them [the players] if we manage to win another trophy and keep fighting for more,” he said prior to the game against Southampton in the EFL Cup final in London.
“We all know the history of this club. We all know football is changing and it’s much more difficult than it was before. Last season was very difficult for the club and the players. They all together, with the manager and the players, managed to win a trophy. It was a good taste for them. So we have to try.”
Manchester United has last won the title under Alex Ferguson’s guidance during his final season in the 2012-13 campaign. Performances in recent years somewhat of a disappointment. With 12 points behind Chelsea it looks like it’s going to be at least one more season without the Premier League trophy to their credit. However, United are trying to make the best of this season by winning the FA Cup and Europa League (a win that would guarantee them a place in next year’s Champions league).
Mourinho also talked about the need for his players to employ a winning mentality if they are to fulfil the team’s lofty ambitions.
“There are some. Not at all of them. I found people in my career that in spite [of being a] super talented player, [were] not naturally born winners or people ready to fight every day to win and win and keep winning.”
“[Javier] Zanetti, [Frank] Lampard, these guys you don’t find every day. But we have people that are showing to me they want to win this match and this match is what matters now.”
Catch up on another busy day at #MUFC with @EuropaLeague draw reaction and #EFLCup team news: https://t.co/cvH8sUhTQfpic.twitter.com/muAtQlsOBD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 24, 2017
