Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho laughed off the ending of his unbeaten competitive record against Arsene Wenger, noting he was pleased to give Arsenal fans something to celebrate for once.
However Mourinho could not resist aiming a dig at his rival once more, noting that Wenger “puts too much pressure on the fourth official” following a brief confrontation between the two managers on the touchline.
Goals from Granit Xhaka and former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck secured Wenger’s first victory over Mourinho in 13 Premier League games, enhancing Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League football whilst, in the United manager’s words, leaving their visitors with an “impossible” dream of a top four finish.
While Mourinho and Wenger have downplayed any malice between the two they have enjoyed a testy relationship – as have the Arsenal fans and the former Chelsea manager.
“Arsenal fans are happy. I’m happy for them. It’s the first time I leave Highbury or the Emirates and they’re happy.
“I left Highbury. They were crying. I left the Emirates. They were crying.
“They walked in the streets with their head low.
“So finally today it’s nice for them. Honestly. It’s a big club. You think I enjoy the fact that a big club like Arsenal is not winning big trophies? I’m not enjoying that.”
Mourinho had made eight changes to the side that won 1-0 at Celta Vigo in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday and has admitted his focus is now on securing European silverware, and qualification for the Champions League.
However he insisted his weakened team had not affected his resolve to overcome his rival.
“Today I tried to win,” Mourinho said. “I didn’t give them the match. We lost. We lost. I think Arsene Wenger is not a small manager. He’s a big manager.
“That record of winning so many matches is something that is not normal. Normal is win, lose draw. I really don’t care about it [the record].”
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