Jose Mourinho may respect Louis van Gaal but he is not 'worried' by the new Manchester United boss
Chelsea manager worked under Van Gaal at Barcelona in the mid-90s
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho has "deep respect" for new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal - but the Chelsea boss is not concerned about their impending rivalry.
The pair worked together for three years at Barcelona but will go head-to-head this season, with Van Gaal having taken the reins at Old Trafford following a successful World Cup with Holland.
He has also won titles in Spain, Holland and Germany with Barca, Ajax and Bayern Munich and said at his introductory press conference that he is aiming to add England to that list.
Mourinho - whose Inter Milan side beat Van Gaal's Bayern in the 2010 Champions League final - and Chelsea will be among the main rivals standing in his way.
And the Portuguese told the Mail on Sunday: "I'm not worried about him being here. I look forward to playing against United. Nothing worries me.
"I watched him at his press conference and he was pure Van Gaal - honest and open, the way he always is.
"He is a very, very good coach, he'll be great for Manchester United.
"We are both great coaches. It's what we were born to do.
"Louis was the best coach in the World Cup and he is a good friend - really, a friend for life. I have deep respect for this man.
"He is in the best period of his career. With coaching, if you deal with winning and losing in the right way, you improve. He analyses every experience. He has got better and better."
Van Gaal begins his Premier League career against Swansea on August 16, two days before Chelsea open their campaign against promoted Burnley.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments