Chelsea Player Continues To Have A Special Spot In His Heart For Former Manager
Reuters / Tony O’Brien
Willian has spoken up about his relation with all the managers he has worked with, and he seems to have a special spot for Chelsea’s ex-manager Jose Mourinho.
While speaking with ESPN Brasil, he paid his respect to every manager he had ever worked under, by saying: “I learned something from all of them. I learned a lot.”
He continued: “When I went to Shakhtar with Lucescu. When I left Shakhtar, in a very short spell at Anzhi with Guus Hiddink, I learned a lot. And then here at Chelsea with Mourinho, a manager who helped me a lot, I learned a lot from him.”
He continued talking about Mourinho, who was at his second term with the Blues then. He had won the Premier League as well as the League cup with the player in 2015, before succumbing to a devastating season for the London club.
Willian added: “The coach who has helped me since my arrival at Chelsea. That backed me, that put me to play, that relied on my potential, that relied on my work. So no doubt I have affection for all, but Mourinho was a guy that I have a special affection and helped me a lot.”
There have been several rumors linking the Brazilian with Manchester United since March. After Pedro’s success this season, Willian’s position has been put into jeopardy despite quality performances. He has only started in 14 league games for Conte’s side, despite his hardworking nature.
If the player fails to land a permanent first team spot at Chelsea next season, he might understandably look at other options to play regular football.
Willian was previously linked with a reunion with Mourinho as well, but his dismissed the speculation by stating: “There are always rumors in England, and while I’m flattered that other managers like me, I’m a player. I have a contract until 2020 and I’m happy here at Chelsea. My family and I are very happy to be living in London.“
Written by Srivats Venkateswaran 