Former Barcelona and Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o didn't hesitate when naming his preference between legendary managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. The Cameroonian icon played under both coaches during his illustrious career - Guardiola at Camp Nou, and Mourinho at Inter Milan, before the pair reunited briefly at Stamford Bridge.
Eto'o was one of the most successful strikers of his generation, winning four domestic league titles and four Champions Leagues during his career, cementing his legacy as an all-time great number nine. However, he made it abundantly clear which of Guardiola and Mourinho had the bigger impact on his career, while offering insight into what it was like to play under both of them.
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Eto'o Claims Mourinho Better Than Guardiola
The striker explained the difference between the two
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Eto'o explained that the only similarity between the two coaches was their shared desire to win. Beyond that, the former striker claimed they were polar opposites.
"The only common point these two coaches have is the desire to win," the Cameroonian football president stated. "They are completely different personalities. They have a different vision of football."
In terms of who he thought was the better coach, the striker was steadfast in his opinion that it was the former Manchester United and Real Madrid head honcho:
"I cannot compare Jose Mourinho to Pep Guardiola. One of them failed to win the UEFA Champions League with FC Bayern Munich, the other won it with FC Porto.
Eto'o would later throw more shade at the current Manchester City boss, telling Marca that the main difference between the two.
"I stick to what I said, and I'm not the only person who has said it. My experience with Pep at Barcelona was what it was, but on a personal level it wasn't what we hoped for. Many players have said the same about him. As a coach, Pep prepares games like nobody else.
"How he coached us in 2009 was incredible, his way of seeing attacking football, control, having the ball, rondos. Pep was the best at that. As a player, you had the feeling that you didn't run much, although you did, because you were enjoying it. They are specific techniques for those of us who love good football.
"For me, football is feeling like you're in a theatre, and seeing tiki-taka, passing the ball, it's not the only way to win but it's special. It's Pep's way."
On Mourinho, Eto'o claimed: "He's a person who's upfront and when he doesn't like something, he tells you. We both have strong temperaments and we understood each other well. He's one of the best people I have found in football
"People try to present him as controversial, but it's a lie. What happens is that life, and football, is hypocritical and they prefer that to having honest people. Mou is a top guy. The other thing is that he only cares about the result.
"He's a winner and a born leader. He spoke to you with the right words. He's great."
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All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 24/06/2025.