Netzer full of praise for Mourinho

Former Germany international Gunter Netzer has lavished praise on Jose Mourinho, maintaining that great coaches ‘do not have to be normal’.

The two-time German Footballer of the Year pointed out the 49-year-old’s successes at former clubs Porto, Chelsea and Inter, and current side Real Madrid, as testament to his abilities.

“As with some players, it pays to work with extreme and unique personalities. They serve the needs of our time. Great coaches do not have to be normal.” the 68-year-old wrote in his column for Bild.

“What of Mourinho as a coach? He has a positive obsession. Everything he thinks and does is geared for success. What is unusual about him is that he has created an atmosphere within the dressing room where even the last substitute is happy.

“Of course he has eccentric traits in his character, but what I appreciate about him is that he protects his team from any hostility from the outside. His concerns and thoughts are solely (that of) the team and I think this is an ideal situation.

“He is (in demand), because he stands for success. He has managed Porto, Chelsea, Inter and now Real Madrid. That also means you have to accept certain inconveniences associated with Mourinho.”

Netzer, a former Madrid player, then chimed in on the debate between the coaching abilities of Mourinho and ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, and gave his vote to the Portuguese.

“It is pointless to ask whether Mourinho or Pep Guardiola is a better coach,” he added.

“Guardiola has given us the extreme joy of football with Barcelona with the use of an evolved style of play, but he also had the luxury of many world-class players already at his disposal.

“Mourinho is a great coach. If I had the responsibility of a great club, [then] Jose Mourinho would be my man.”