Jose Mourinho has given us no shortage of entertainment thus far. Today he gave his Southampton pre-match briefing…
Chris Smalling returns from injury and suspension
Thankfully Smalling is back and eligible to finally make an impression under Mourinho. All this talk about a new defender coming in and we’ve not seen one of our most important players of last season in action. Hope he can hit the ground running.
Asked if he can bring the fear factor back to Old Trafford, Mourinho replied:
“Not me, but the team, yes. The fans can also help. Everything starts there: the relationship between the team and the fans. If there is a connection then the factor of being really strong at home has to back. The way we play [will help] and if the fans play [a part] there’ll be no chance for the opponent.”
Mourinho on new boy Baily, the surprise performer
“He is a young boy playing in a completely different competition with a different club, but despite all the pressure and expectation that comes with playing for United, he plays against Leicester at Wembley and is comfortable, leading and communicative.”
How Zlatan is finding life in Manchester
“I see him happy. I ask about his family, his wife, his kids – I know how important these things are to him – integration, house and everything is fine and everybody is happy. He has a very high motivation, so I see him here, no doubts, for the next two years.”
On transfers
“The market is open until 31 August, but I am very happy with the players I have. I keep saying that I don’t talk about players from other clubs.”
