Mourinho Joins Premier League and WWE Stars at UFC London for Major Leon Edwards Fight
In a surprising turn of events, Jose Mourinho appeared to take yet another jab at Allan Saint-Maximin while publicly congratulating Marco Silva on reaching the remarkable milestone of managing his 500th game. The 62-year-old Portuguese manager has been overseeing Saint-Maximin’s performance at Fenerbahce this season, where the talented winger has faced significant challenges.
After signing on loan from Newcastle to Al-Ahli last summer, Saint-Maximin’s commitment and professionalism have come under scrutiny from Mourinho. Following the decision to bench him for their Europa League match against Rangers earlier this month, Saint-Maximin took to Instagram to express his feelings, stating: “When a lie takes the elevator, the truth takes the stairs. It takes longer, but it arrives in the end.”
In response, Mourinho showcased his sharp wit, remarking: “I didn’t know Saint-Maximin had a gift for poetry. I’m not bad at it either. When a footballer works well, works hard, and trains every day, he can be in good form and climb up the stairs. He doesn’t need to use the lift. By contrast, if a player doesn’t train well, turns up late, is overweight, and isn’t ready to play a match, then he needs to use the lift—as he’ll soon get tired on the stairs.”
When approached by the Portuguese newspaper A Bola regarding Silva’s impressive achievement, Mourinho cleverly echoed Saint-Maximin’s earlier statement. He remarked: “Five-hundred? A beautiful number, which with more grey hairs will reach 600… 700… Congratulations, Marco, for a beautiful career, based on talent, work, seriousness, and discretion.”
Mourinho continued to praise Silva, emphasizing his hardworking nature: “You climbed the stairs, where many had the elevator at their disposal. Congratulations for a career made of results and not perceptions. I admire and applaud you.”
Silva, 47, reciprocated the compliments, acknowledging Mourinho’s significant impact on Portuguese coaches in England. He stated: “We are certainly well regarded. And we all agree that Jose Mourinho’s influence was transcendent. After having won what he won in Portugal, arriving in England, having that triumphant entrance and getting Chelsea to play and win titles 50 years later, he ended up being fundamental for the arrival of other Portuguese coaches.”
- Andre Villas-Boas followed, who had won the Europa League.
- I was the third to arrive.
- But it was Jose Mourinho who opened the doors for us.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce secured a 2-0 victory against Rangers at Ibrox without Saint-Maximin, but they were ultimately eliminated on penalties after losing the first leg 3-1. Following that, they drew 0-0 at home against Samsunspor just before the international break, with Saint-Maximin once again absent from the matchday squad.
Since then, the winger has only made four appearances since last Christmas, frequently finding himself as an unused substitute. In a bid to defend his reputation, Saint-Maximin has denied Mourinho’s allegations regarding his fitness, asserting that he weighs the same as he did in 2022. He also posted on Instagram: “Lies give you flowers—but they don’t bear fruit.”
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both Mourinho and Saint-Maximin will navigate this challenging chapter in their respective careers.
