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There was a testy exchange on Tuesday, between Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho and BBC Sports reporter, Ben Smith.
Mourinho was addressing a press conference ahead of his team’s Champions League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv when a question came as regards his teams poor start in their title defence in the English Premier League and the notion that performances of the teams he has managed deteriorated in his third season in charge.
Smith asked Mourinho if he still had the qualities of a great manager.
Mourinho replied: “The point is that the question is stupid. I am sorry.”
“Look, my third season – in Porto, I didn’t have a third season. My third season in Inter, I didn’t have a third season. My third season at Chelsea the first time, I won the FA Cup and the Carling Cup, and I played the Champions League semi-finals. My third season in Real Madrid, I won the Super Cup, I lost the cup [Copa del Rey] final, and I went to the Champions League semi-finals. These are my third seasons…”
The following conversation ensued when Smith would not budge:
“Ben Smith: Sure, but you know what I’m getting at…
Jose Mourinho: So click Google, instead of making stupid questions, click Google and try to find.
Ben Smith: Jose, you know what I’m getting at though, don’t you, how important is it for you to build…
Jose Mourinho: No, you spoke about the third season, and I am telling you that the question is stupid, because the third season is what I told you.
Ben Smith: Jose, you know the point of the question…
Jose Mourinho: No, I know the point, the point is that the question is stupid. I am sorry…”
A Chelsea press officer intervened at this point.