Mourinho has long been praised for his man-to-man management and his ability to ‘weed out’ the weak. Such an ability to judge a player’s character has thus established the Special One as one as the transfer market’s most successful traders in recent times. However, the sell of Kevin de Bruyne to Wolfsburg for £18m has seen the Chelsea manager’s judgment questioned with the Belgian going on to become one of the continent’s most promising talents with an impressive 10 goals and 22 assists last term.
Indeed while Chelsea profited from the £6.7m they spent to take de Bruyne from Genk, the player’s value has rose substantially with a move to Manchester City rumoured to be in the works around a figure between £55m to £60m. Yet José Mourinho insists he has no regrets selling the talented midfielder and has subsequently cast doubt over de Bruyne’s ability to cope with competition.
“He told me it was not in his personality to be competing for a position in the team. He needed a team where he knows he can play every game. He needs to know that he is important.”
“He did not want a team where he thinks am I playing or not? He needs that trust, he needs that quality. He needs that security. So I was not happy when he left.”
“He didn’t tell me he couldn’t handle the pressure. He told me he wanted to play every weekend. I told him this is Chelsea, you are very young, you have Eden Hazard, you have Mata, you have Willian, you have Schürrle, and I cannot promise you that.”
“So yes, I accept that if this is his mentality and it’s his choice to go, it is better for Chelsea to make a good deal. Chelsea made a good deal and he was happy to go and I am happy because the kid is a good kid. And I am happy for him.”
