Jose Mourinho has revealed what really happened after his touch-line bust up with Nemanja Matic in 2015

  • Nemanja Matic was taken off after 30 minutes of coming on for Chelsea in 2015
  • Mourinho revealed how upset the Serbian was and what was said after the game
  • The now Manchester boss was impressed with his player's mental maturity 

By Ben Church For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Jose Mourinho has revealed what really happened after his touch-line bust-up with Nemanja Matic in 2015 and how he knew the midfielder was so mentally strong.

The Serbian, who was instrumental in Mourinho's second spell in charge of Chelsea, suffered the ultimate embarrassment in a match against Southampton two years ago. 

After coming on as a second-half substitute, Mourinho then hauled the midfielder off less than 30 minutes later, much to the dissatisfaction of the player. 

Jose Mourinho harshly subbed Nemanja Matic off after just 30 minutes for Chelsea in 2015

Jose Mourinho harshly subbed Nemanja Matic off after just 30 minutes for Chelsea in 2015

Matic was visibly annoyed at being taken off and being replaced by Loic Remy (right)

Matic was visibly annoyed at being taken off and being replaced by Loic Remy (right)

But it appears the way Matic reacted to the public embarrassment has stayed with the now Manchester United boss.   


'I cannot say I have had better guys in my career,' said Mourinho in an interview with the Sunday Times. 

'The press wants a story, the press wants blood. My blood, or his blood, or both.

'He was really sad. I was also sad because it's not something nice and it's something I did only twice in my career.

'But the next day he comes to see me and he says, ''I'm not happy, but it's my fault. I'm not happy with what you did to me, but it's my fault, because the way I was playing I can understand the change. So let's keep going''.'

Despite the public embarrassment Matic impressed Mourinho with his level of maturity  

Despite the public embarrassment Matic impressed Mourinho with his level of maturity  

Matic signed for Mourinho at United for £40million and has been a revelation at Old Trafford 

Matic signed for Mourinho at United for £40million and has been a revelation at Old Trafford 

Mourinho would be sacked soon after the loss at home to Southampton that day but the way his player reacted may be one of the reasons behind the coach acquiring his services at Old Trafford.

'We didn't keep going for a long time because a few weeks later I was sacked,' Mourinho added. 

'But again he was one of my guys, was one of the guys that we kept close during these years even not working together.

'So I know that the big man is there, even with more maturity.'

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