First thing Jose Mourinho said to me – Osayi-Samuel opens up on working with ex-Real Madrid boss
Football • 3d ago
**Working with a Legend: Bright Osayi-Samuel Opens Up on José Mourinho**
Imagine walking into a training session with one of the most iconic coaches in football history. That's what Fenerbahçe star Bright Osayi-Samuel experienced when he worked under José Mourinho. In a recent interview, the Nigerian international shared his fascinating account of what it was like to train under the Portuguese tactician.
Osayi-Samuel, a former Queens Park Rangers player, revealed that his first day with Mourinho was a memorable one. He arrived late due to a national team game, and Mourinho's first words to him were, "You're a good player, but you need to run more." This blunt assessment set the tone for their working relationship. As the Super Eagles star noted, Mourinho is a coach who doesn't mince words, and his high standards are clear from the start.
Mourinho's demanding nature is well-documented, but Osayi-Samuel gave insight into the coach's approach. When the team performs well, they're rewarded with time off. However, when things go wrong, the training sessions can be grueling, with players expected to stay on the pitch for extended periods. This approach may be tough, but it's clear that Mourinho expects nothing but the best from his players.
What's also remarkable is the personal side of working with Mourinho. Osayi-Samuel shared that the coach would spend hours recounting stories from his illustrious career, sharing tales of legendary players and matches. This level of investment in his players' understanding of the game is a testament to Mourinho's dedication to his craft.
As a player who worked closely with Mourinho, Osayi-Samuel described him as a "great guy" who rewards good performances while addressing mistakes ruthlessly. His words are a testament to the respect and admiration he has for the coach.
Mourinho's managerial journey continues, having recently left Fenerbahçe to manage Benfica, where they currently sit third in Liga Portugal. While Osayi-Samuel's time working under Mourinho may have come to an end, his experiences and insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a football legend.