José Mourinho, known for his bold personality, sharp wit, and candid remarks, has given us many memorable post-match quotes throughout his career. His interviews often reflect his unique character, blending humor, confidence, and occasionally controversy. Here are some of his most memorable post-match quotes:

1. “I am a special one.”

• Context: When Mourinho first arrived in England as Chelsea’s manager in 2004, he famously referred to himself as “The Special One” during his introductory press conference. Though this was not directly a post-match quote, it became one of his most iconic lines, setting the tone for his confident and sometimes provocative media style.
• Significance: This quote is the foundation of Mourinho’s public persona — self-assured, sometimes arrogant, but undeniably successful.

2. “I prefer not to speak. If I speak, I am in big trouble.”

• Context: After a controversial match against Barcelona in the 2010 UEFA Champions League, Mourinho was asked about the refereeing decisions, but he gave this iconic quote to avoid further trouble.
• Significance: Mourinho’s ability to control his comments, knowing when to remain silent rather than overstate his case, made this one a classic moment in his career.

3. “We don’t play against 11, we play against 14.”

• Context: Following a loss to Barcelona in 2010, Mourinho claimed that Barcelona had the advantage of not only the 11 players on the field but also the referee and other factors, alluding to the influence of external forces in the match.
• Significance: This quote showed Mourinho’s tendency to defend his team when he felt they were unfairly treated, often highlighting his view that certain matches were influenced by forces beyond the control of his team.

4. “If I speak, I will be in trouble.”

• Context: After a highly controversial defeat to Chelsea in 2014 while managing Real Madrid, Mourinho delivered this line, hinting at the refereeing decisions that went against his team.
• Significance: A trademark Mourinho tactic — he suggests there’s more to say but refrains from doing so to avoid penalties or sanctions, while still keeping the issue in the public eye.

5. “They were the better team. But I am the Special One.”

• Context: After a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham while at Chelsea in 2014, Mourinho made this statement, acknowledging that Spurs were superior on the day but still underscoring his own managerial brilliance.
• Significance: A perfect blend of humility and ego, this quote shows Mourinho’s self-belief, even in moments of defeat.

6. “I know what I want. I know what I need. And I know what my players need.”

• Context: After a successful period with Chelsea, Mourinho made this statement in response to the transfer speculation and his plans for improving the team.
• Significance: Mourinho’s confidence in his understanding of the game and his role as manager is evident here, showing that he has a clear vision of what is required for success.

7. “I’m not arrogant, I’m just confident.”

• Context: After winning a major trophy, Mourinho was asked about his perceived arrogance, to which he responded with this quote.
• Significance: This line encapsulates his persona — confident, sometimes bordering on cocky, but always with a belief in his own methods and ability to win.

8. “I would have liked to win, but I am happy with the performance of my players.”

• Context: After a 1-1 draw with Chelsea while managing Manchester United, Mourinho was complimentary about his team’s efforts despite the result.
• Significance: While Mourinho is known for his strong opinions, this quote shows his more measured side — respecting the effort of his players even when the result doesn’t go in his favor.

9. “I have no doubt that if I stay for 10 years, I will win trophies.”

• Context: In 2018, Mourinho made this bold statement during a press conference while managing Manchester United.
• Significance: Typical of Mourinho, this quote exudes his belief in his methods, suggesting that given time, success would come — a confidence that has been part of his managerial identity for years.

10. “In football, the only thing that matters is winning. And if you do not win, it’s not good.”

• Context: After a difficult match where his team fell short, Mourinho succinctly summed up his philosophy about success and the expectations he has as a manager.
• Significance: This quote represents Mourinho’s single-minded focus on winning and his belief that anything less than victory is unacceptable.

11. “I am not going to cry. I am not a baby. I am not going to cry about refereeing decisions.”

• Context: After a controversial defeat, Mourinho made this remark in response to being asked about referee mistakes.
• Significance: A display of his no-nonsense approach, this quote highlights Mourinho’s directness and refusal to make excuses, even when things go against his team.

12. “I’m the only manager in the world who has won in all three big leagues: Spain, England, and Italy.”

• Context: Mourinho made this statement while managing Manchester United, emphasizing his unique achievement of winning major trophies in three of Europe’s top leagues.
• Significance: A perfect demonstration of Mourinho’s self-confidence and his ability to remind the world of his remarkable managerial success.