Lionel Messi has been given credit by Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese manager admitted that the Barcelona star made him a better coach.
The 56-year-old plied his trade with the likes of Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid when he faced the Argentine talisman.
Mourinho said the his past experience of facing Messi has made him pay more attention to his match preparations.
“I always say that I owe so much to my players, and to those who haven’t been my players but those who created problems for me,” he told EFE.
Jose Mourinho makes stunning statement about Lampard after win against Wolves “For example, Messi never played for my team, but he played against me and he has made me a better coach for having to prepare matches [to stop him].
“When I say Messi, I also mean the other great players I’ve faced.“The ex-Manchester United manager’s scouting reports on Barcelona during the 200-05 season surfaced online in a match which highlighted his detailed attention on Messi.
Mourinho also opened up about his tactics against the Spanish giants during the 2010 champions League semi finals.
