The personal rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger is very well documented. Almost monthly, you can run an article entitled “Jose Mourinho Throws Shade at Arsene Wenger.” Of all the jabs Mourinho has tossed at Wenger, “a specialist in failure” certainly stands out as one of the more colorful remarks.
Heading into Arsenal’s 2-0 win at home over Manchester United today, Wenger said he’s open to making peace with Mourinho, and in response the Portugese said that there is no need to make peace, as he claims to have no qualms with the Arsenal boss.
Not sure we believe that, but let’s continue.
After Arsenal’s win today, the first for Wenger in 13 tries over Mourinho in league play (15 overall), the United Manager could not help himself from throwing in a subtle dig.
“They score, they win, and finally I leave this stadium with Arsenal fans happy,” Mourinho told Sky Sports in the postgame.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen them smile, I’ve seen them enjoy. They deserve it because they’re an amazing club and amazing fans also deserve some joy.”
Referring to the fact that it was his first defeat to Wenger, Mourinho added: “It’s the first time I leave Highbury or Emirates and they [Arsenal fans] are happy. It’s the first time. I left Highbury, they were crying. I left the Emirates, they were crying. They were walking the streets with their heads low. So finally today, they sing. It’s nice for them.”
He also added some praise, but did so in a matter that holds a little bit of smug condescension.
“It’s a big club. You think I enjoy the fact that a big club like Arsenal are not winning big trophies? Honestly, I’m not enjoying that.
“Arsene Wenger is not a small manager, he’s a big manager. So to have that record of winning so many matches and not losing in so many matches, is something that’s not normal.
“Normally it’s win, lose, draw. It’s not normal. And I really don’t care about it.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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