Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho reveals why English teams have a disadvantage in Champions League
JOSE MOURINHO believes English clubs struggle in Europe due to receiving no protection from the Premier League – but insists he has no complaints.
He begins his quest to become only the third manager in Manager United’s history to bring Champions League glory to the club on Tuesday.
Swiss side Basel will be the Red Devils’ first opponents as the group stage gets underway.
And ahead of their Euro opener, Mourinho has been discussing his thoughts on why clubs on these shores have struggled in recent years in the competition.
The ex-Chelsea boss said: “Real Madrid last year played the last month in La Liga with a second team. They could do it.
“They arrived in the final with a fresh team.
“Juventus were champions three months in advance. For the quarter-final, semi-final, final they had a fresh team.
“English teams, normally, that’s impossible. Because the competition goes very strong until the end.”
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But that was not all. Once again he brought up the excuse of no winter break for English sides.
However, rather than moan, he revealed that he loves the festive footie action over here.
Mourinho added: “[Here] there is no winter break. In other countries they have one.
“I have to admit I love it. I love the English Christmas period for football.
“And then the fact we have to play many times two days before big matches.
“In other countries they protect their clubs. Benfica played on Friday. PSG played Friday, that happens all the time.
“But no complaints. We have squads. If you think the players are tired you play with other players.”
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