Argentine superstar backs the Special One to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has backed former nemesis Jose Mourinho to be a success at Chelsea and described the Portuguese as a ‘great manager’.
Mourinho left Real Madrid last month to return to Stamford Bridge, after three seasons of fierce rivalry and open hostility with Barca.
The acrimony has not ceased since the Special One’s departure and Barca duo Andres Iniesta and Xavi have criticised Mourinho this week, with the 50-year-old hitting back by claiming he ended the Catalans’ dominance of La Liga.
But Messi, 26, hinted that he bears no grudge against Mourinho and the Argentina captain also expects Barca’s rivals to be as competitive as ever next season.
“I think the Spanish league is difficult anyway and will continue being difficult,” Messi told FIFA.com.
“We’ll be fighting against strong teams with great players like Real Madrid. Mourinho was a great coach but we know that Ancelotti is equally great.
“I think Mourinho will also succeed back at Chelsea because he’s a great manager.”
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