Promotion of young players
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If there is one criticism that is often levied at Jose Mourinho it is that he doesn't promote young players. And it is no surprise he was asked about the issue and knowing Mourinho he was prepared for it as well. Before answering it, he asked how much time was left before the press conference ended and then he brought out a list.
“Do you want to know how many players I have promoted from academies?", he began with a rhetorical question and then continuing with, "Forty nine. Do you want me to list them out?" he asks again.
Instead of listing them out, he mentions the two factors involved in promoting youngsters. "Sometimes you have no other choice but to promote them because you have injured. That is one factor," he said. "The second is when you are not playing for big targets it is easier to bring them up, outside the pressure of the big moments."
He explains that the injury record at the clubs he has been is low and continues.
"Last year the only season of my only career that I was not fighting for the title – every other season I was winning or finishing second, or finish third once but still fighting for the title. I still did 49 and some of them we are speaking about big names – players that today are Champions League winners, playing for national teams. Forty nine is a lot."
He finishes off with the punch line, "Once more – it’s one lie repeated many times. Sometimes it looks like it might be true but it will never be true."
