Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has revealed Jose Mourinho’s influence on his managerial career.
The 42-year-old was speaking about his compatriot ahead of The Monégasques’ Champions League semi-final first-leg meeting with Juventus.
Mourinho, who previously won the competition twice, remains the most lauded Portuguese coach active today.
And his compatriot, Jardim, says he wants to strike out on his own path, but admits Mourinho has made him a winner.
“Mourinho is an influence because of his ambition to win,” he told Le Monde, as reported by The Times.
“The best influences were the coaches I worked with as an assistant but, more than an influence, I prefer to build my own philosophy.”
Jardim started his coaching career aged 27 in 2001 having never played professionally.
Prior to joining Monaco in 2014 he’d managed Braga, Olympiacos – where he achieved the league and cup double – and Sporting Lisbon.
To date he’s overseen 165 matches with Monaco winning 95 and losing just 32. This season is his best to date as he chases a historic league and European Cup double.
Monaco lead the French championship, knowing seven points from their remaining four matches will be enough to secure an eighth title, and first since 2000.
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