Ronald Koeman: Jose Mourinho is Europe's most hated but i respect him

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is the most hated in Europe according to Dutch legend Ronald Koeman.

Koeman, now in charge of Dutch side ­Feyenoord, has revealed he’s been won over by ­Mourinho’s clever and winning tactics.

The Chelsea manager’s touchline and verbal antics infuriate many opponents, though. But Koeman, who has won eight trophies in his coaching career in Portugal, Spain and Holland, can see both sides of the debate.

He said: “Many people in the game can’t stand ­Mourinho – [but] I am the ­opposite.

“Mourinho may not create the most beautiful style of football. But he does create winners. Nobody turns his players into winners more than he does.

“This man gets the maximum out of his teams.”

Koeman believes Mourinho’s Chelsea will reach the final of the Champions League following their quarter-final victory over Paris Saint-Germain last week.

“They did not beat PSG because they played better football, but because they had more winners on the pitch at Stamford Bridge,” he said.

Koeman then pointed out Demba Ba’s vital goal to back up his point.

“Was it a piece of magic ? No. Was it the result of a brilliant attack? No. It was the result of a bunch of players with a winning mentality thanks to their coach.

“He comes out with strong stuff. He did it before the PSG match in London. But he achieves what he ­promises.

“My God, I can only show huge respect then.”