Jose: I call Fergie 'boss'

Last updated : 14 January 2005 By Paul Lagan
Jose Mourinho poured scorn on the notion that there is a feud between him and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking in advance of tomorrow's derby against Spurs, The Chelsea boss is reported as saying: "People want a storm but there isn't one. There's no problem and no war or mind games between us".

He added: "I respect Sir Alex a lot because he's a great manager, but he must follow the procedure, we must all be the same."

"I'm a European champion and so is Ferguson, it doesn't matter who you are.

"I don't speak with referees and I don't want other managers doing it, it's the rule. One thing is to speak, one thing is to shout.

"This is nothing against Sir Alex whatsoever. After the game on Wednesday we were together in my office and we spoke and drank wine.

"Unfortunately it was a very bad bottle of wine and he was complaining, so when we go to Old Trafford for the second leg, on my birthday, I will take a beautiful bottle of Portuguese wine.

"But he is a great manager, he is clever and used his power and his prestige. The referee should not allow it. I have a lot of respect for Ferguson. I call him boss because he is the manager's boss.

"He's the top manager in the country. Maybe when I become 60, the kids will call me the same."