In the game of football a person who is your friend one day can be your most hated rival the next. When it comes to top level managers, it is almost inevitable that a fall out will occur.
Which is what makes the friendship between José Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson so interesting. Even though they were fierce rivals as managers, off the pitch they became great friends.
José Mourinho
It’s the difference between the friends and the fake friends. Sir Alex is my friend. Obviously the words are very nice. He’s not the kind of person who says just because he likes somebody.
Sir Alex Ferguson
I enjoyed the competition with him. He was something fresh and new to our game. I don’t know what I will do with my wine now.
Indeed it was their conversations over wine that formed the basis of their friendship. Even if the first bottle was not up to snuff.
Ferguson
“The wine at Chelsea was awful, which I could never understand.”
Mourinho
It was Chelsea Football Club catering that bought the wine, and obviously the wine was not the top quality that the boss deserves.
Ferguson
“The next time he appeared at Old Trafford, he brought a bottle of his own wine, a Barca-Velha, and that started a tradition.”
Mourinho
It was quite funny but disappointing. So the next time we play against each other, I called a friend and I told him, the best I want the best.
Ferguson
“The next week he sent me a case of Tignanello. A great drop, one of the best.”
Mourinho
The next time we play against each other, I called a friend and I told him, the best I want the best. And from that moment always the same bottle when I play against the boss.’
A lot of people think that Mourinho got off to a bad start with Fergie because of his famous sprint down the touchline when his Porto side triumphed over Manchester United in the Champions League. Ferguson contends this was not so, and it allowed him to see the young manager much like himself.
Ferguson
“I admire people who show you their emotions. It shows you they care.”
Mourinho
The passion that he has put in to everything, and after that in private moments, obviously, a good friend, a good person, a fantastic sense of humour.
Ferguson
“ I think back to when we scored against Sheffield Wednesday and Brian Kidd was on the pitch, on his knees, with me rejoicing on the touchline. ”
Even with Ferguson now retired, he still has nothing but good things to say about his once rival.
Ferguson
“It is unfair really. He’s good looking, he’s got that sort of George Clooney bit in his hair now….I think he is a great example, he can speak five languages or whatever he can…Then he goes and manages a small team in Portugal, then goes to Porto and wins the league, wins the Uefa Cup, wins the European Cup, goes to Chelsea and wins the league. Goes to Inter Milan. That is an example to anyone who wants to do well, you shouldn’t let the barriers get in your way if you want to get there.”
Mourinho
“Everything, his talent, the time he put his talent at the service of Manchester United and football in general [made Ferguson special]…Now and again I’ve had questions to put to him and the way he has answered to me was always magnificent and a great support.”
All quotes taken from Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography and BT Sports interviews with Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho