Samuel Eto’o admits he favoured the coaching of Jose Mourinho over Pep Guardiola.
Eto’o played for Manchester City boss Guardiola at Barcelona, while he won the Treble with Tottenham manager Mourinho as an Inter Milan player.
“I stick to what I said, and I’m not the only person who has said it,” Eto’o told Marca.
“My experience with Pep at Barcelona was what it was, but on a personal level it wasn’t what we hoped for. Many players have said the same about him.
“As a coach, Pep prepares games like nobody else. How he coached us in 2009 was incredible, his way of seeing attacking football, control, having the ball, rondos, Pep was the best at that.
“As a player, you had the feeling that you didn’t run much, although you did, because you were enjoying it.
“They are specific techniques for those of us who love good football. For me, football is feeling like you’re in a theatre, and seeing tikitaka, passing the ball, it’s not the only way to win but its special. It’s Pep’s way.”
On Mourinho, Eto’o said: “Jose is, firstly, a friend.
“He’s a person who’s upfront and when he doesn’t like something, he tells you. We both have strong temperaments and we understood each other well.
“He’s one of the best people I have found in football. People try to present him as controversial, but it’s a lie. What happens is that life, and football, is hypocritical and they prefer that to having honest people.
“Mou is a top guy. The other thing is that he only cares about the result. It’s his way of seeing football and in that sense he is the number one. Beating him at his game is impossible, you can never beat him.
“He’s a winner and a born leader. He spoke to you with the right words. He’s great.”
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