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Jose Mourinho has been discussing why English clubs struggle in Europe
'NO PROTECTION'

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.

 Jose Mourinho has been discussing why English clubs struggle in Europe
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Jose Mourinho has been discussing why English clubs struggle in EuropeCredit: AFP
 Jose Mourinho believes our clubs get no protection from the authorities
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Jose Mourinho believes our clubs get no protection from the authoritiesCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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.”

 He highlighted the fact that other nations have a winter break
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He highlighted the fact that other nations have a winter breakCredit: Reuters
 But he confessed that he loves the hectic festive period in England
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But he confessed that he loves the hectic festive period in EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association

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.

 Mourinho refused to use the lack of protection as an excuse
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Mourinho refused to use the lack of protection as an excuseCredit: Reuters
 His Manchester United side welcome Basel to Old Trafford on Tuesday
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His Manchester United side welcome Basel to Old Trafford on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
 Mourinho is looking to become only the third manager to delivery Champions League success to United
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Mourinho is looking to become only the third manager to delivery Champions League success to UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

“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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🏆Latest Champions League odds🏆

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  • Man United to beat Basel: 2/13
  • Chelsea to beat FC Qarabag: 1/12
  • Liverpool to beat Sevilla: 8/11
  • Man City to beat Feyenoord: 2/5

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