André Villas-Boas has revealed that the late Bobby Robson was a gentleman who opened the world to him, but his happiest times were spent alongside the Special One, José Mourinho.
In a comprehensive two-page interview with French daily L’Équipe, Villas-Boas discussed a multitude of topics, including his time with Marseille, the French League, Portugal, FC Porto and, of course, his return to club he cherished the most.
Asked if this return reminded him of his days with Bobby Robson, Villas-Boas replied: “Yes, but the fondest memories I have are with José Mourinho here at FC Porto when I was his analyst. “
He went on to say: “I remember everything about José Mourinho: the travels, the preparation, his knowledge of the game, the way he interacts with his staff, the pressure he puts on himself every day to be the best. With Robson it was the start of everything, but not at this level of intensity.”
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Villas-Boas stressed that “Robson was a gentleman” who opened for him “the doors of FC Porto, training, coaching courses”, but he also noted that all the knowledge related to football, tactics and preparation training sessions came from José Mourinho. “Those were definitely the best times,” he added.
Asked about the influence of José Mourinho on Portuguese football today, André Villas-Boas assured that “he is the model for the whole new generation of Portuguese coaches”, but he also mentioned that “the football evolves” and that new references have emerged in the game.
“When it comes to individual marking, for example, or the 3-4-3 system employed by Ruben Amorim. The German and Spanish training schools are very strong and innovative,” Villas-Boas concluded.
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