Jose Mourinho gives brilliant take on managers who celebrate after a victory

Jose Mourinho delivered his trademark "I prefer not to speak" line while giving his take on the ongoing debate around managers who celebrate after a win.

Earlier this month, Mikel Arteta was criticised for over-celebrating Arsenal's 3-1 victory against Liverpool after he sprinted down the Emirates touchline following a goal.

The Spaniard also aimed fist pumps at the home crowd after last week's full-time whistle as Martin Odegaard enjoyed a wholesome moment with club photographer and lifelong Arsenal fan Stuart MacFarlane.

Those celebrations were later described as a "little bit immature" by pundit Gary Neville but Arteta has since defended his celebrations. In fact, he has vowed to continue to show emotion on the touchline.

"Personally, I love it," he said. "It brings such a passion and emotion to the game when it's done in a natural and unique way."

Arteta, of course, is one of many managers who regularly show emotion on the pitch.

And perhaps the biggest offender of all is former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has been accused of lacking class over the years with numerous over-zealous celebrations.

From his 'finger to lips' gesture after beating Tottenham at Old Trafford in 2017, to the famous 'cupped ear' celebration against Juventus in 2018 – the so-called 'Special One' loves a passionate celebration.

And on Saturday, he offered his two cents on the discussion about managers celebrating with an Instagram post.

As well as posting nine pictures of himself celebrating either a goal or a win, Mourinho wrote: "What do I think of managers’ celebrations after a victory? I prefer not to speak."

Image credit: Instagram/josemourinho

One of the pictures from Mourinho's post was his celebrations in Turin, when he strolled into the middle of the pitch to mock Juventus supporters after they insulted him and his family.

“I'm a professional,” Mourinho said in an interview with Sky Italia after the full-time whistle. “They insulted for 90 minutes. Me, my family and also the Interista [Inter Milan supporters] family.

“At the end of the match I just made the gesture that I wanted to hear them louder.”

Topics: Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, AS Roma, England, Tottenham Hotspur

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_