Carlo Ancelotti on Mourinho: The Napoli manager talks about Mourinho’s gesture after the full-time whistle against Juventus.
Manchester United are on a good run of form at the moment. Mourinho’s side is on a three-match winning run across competitions, which include a win against Juventus in the Champions League.
The side defeated the Italian champions 2-1 after being a goal down in the second half. After the game, however, Jose Mourinho gestured sarcastically towards the crowd at Turin, who was booing and abusing the Portuguese manager.
There have been various reactions towards the gesture, with many claiming that it wasn’t within the spirits of the game. Others, however, have stated that it is normal and justified for the manager to give it back to the crowd who was consistently insulting him.
Carlo Ancelotti has also sided with Mourinho, and made a rather funny imitation of the Portuguese during a press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti on Mourinho:
The Napoli manager reacted to Mourinho’s gesture during the pre-match conference for their game against Genoa.
Carlo Ancelotti was asked to comment on Mourinho’s reaction to Juventus’ crowd after the game. The Italian, in reply, mimicked Jose, cupped his hand to his ear, and said, “Sorry, I did not hear you.”
📹 | Ancelotti drops wisdom on Mourinho’s gesture towards the Juve fans at the final whistle. [via @IFTVofficial] pic.twitter.com/QvZEqsx8oT
— Man Utd Stuff (@ManUtdStuff) November 9, 2018
It was all in good humour, though, as Ancelotti later stated that it is normal for Mourinho to react in the manner he did.
“Mourinho? His reaction is understandable because it wasn’t a vulgar thing to do, it was more ironic,” Ancelotti said.
“Mourinho? His reaction is understandable because it wasn’t a vulgar thing to do, it was more ironic. When you are being insulted for 90 minutes it can happen”
Carlo Ancelotti pic.twitter.com/qo1B5QV6sc
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) November 9, 2018
"I’m not just referring to Juventus, by the way, in Italy, there’s a general culture of insults. It happens in Naples and Milan too."
Mourinho: "It's easy to feel that we're a team that never gives up. We have that collective spirit to fight back, but it's not always positive. If we keep conceding goals first the day will arrive where we can't come back."
— Man Utd Stuff (@ManUtdStuff) November 9, 2018
Mourinho earlier stated that his actions weren't meant to be proactive and he only wanted to listen if the fans were still passing on the insults after the result. Manchester United defeated Juventus 2-1 on their return leg in the Champions League group stages.