“If I’m hated in Barcelona, that’s not my problem”: Mourinho’s words collected in a book

“If I’m hated in Barcelona, that’s not my problem.” José Mourinho’s line sets the tone for El Evangelio según Mourinho, a book returning to bookshops as the Portuguese coach is expected to return to Real Madrid, Marca reports. The Spanish outlet presents it as a journey through 16 years of phrases and controversy.

The volume brings together more than 120 statements, with historical context and explanations of their impact. It traces how Mourinho turned press conferences into a working tool: in Marca’s presentation, words could be used to defend his players or put pressure on opponents. The book also includes views from other football figures, including Jorge Valdano, with whom Mourinho had disagreements during his first spell at Real Madrid. It also revisits a personality that has inspired both admiration and rejection in the different countries where the coach has worked.

Among the lines highlighted is the confidence Mourinho showed when he was introduced as Chelsea manager in 2004 and called himself “The Special One”. Another memorable episode came in 2011: after Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals, he repeated “Why? Why?” while sharply questioning the refereeing.

The selected quotes also reveal recurring themes. Speaking about Real Madrid, Mourinho said: “It’s not beautiful to coach Madrid; what matters is winning at Madrid.” He stressed the importance of the collective, saying Cristiano Ronaldo was important to the club, but that “the club is what matters, not the players”. On pressure, he declared: “The fear won’t be ours; it will belong to whoever has to play against Real Madrid.”

Other remarks underline his approach to work and his team. “I’m not a provocateur, I’m a worker and I want respect,” he said, adding that he would defend his group if that respect was lacking. He described his bond with players this way: he still spoke about those he had coached at Oporto and Chelsea as if they were his players, and wanted to build the same relationship with those at Real Madrid.

The collection is not limited to grand declarations. Mourinho also sets out his views on the game, says there is little time to celebrate success and delivers sharp remarks about fellow coaches. Presented by Marca as “the Gospel according to Mourinho”, the book brings together different sides of a coach who made his words a visible part of his work.