Samuel Eto'o, it's in!

Samuel Eto'o has enjoyed a successful career under the orders of the greatest coaches. However, the former Cameroonian star reveals a marked preference for José Mourinho, whom he considers his ultimate mentor. Despite triumphs under Pep Guardiola with FC Barcelona, ​​it is the tactical and psychological approach of the Special One that has most influenced the Cameroonian, notably during their historic collaboration at Inter Milan.

Samuel Eto'o, a true legend of African and world football, has had an exceptional career, marked by resounding successes at the biggest European clubs. He is notably one of the few players to have won two consecutive continental trebles with two different teams: Pep Guardiola's FC Barcelona in the 2008-2009 season and José Mourinho's Inter Milan in 2009-2010. Despite his time under some of the most prestigious coaches in history, Eto'o recently revealed which of them had the most influence on him. For the former Cameroonian striker, José Mourinho's style trumps that of Guardiola.

Indeed, in an interview with SportsBible and relayed by The Mirror, Samuel Eto'o explained why he prefers the style of play and personality of José Mourinho to those of Pep Guardiola. Although both coaches have marked the history of world football, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation did not hesitate to nickname Mourinho “The Special”, a nickname well deserved according to him. “I am more friends with the style of Jose Mourinho,” he said. “It's a question of style. Everyone has their own, but for me, Jose Mourinho remains the coach whose way of playing suited me best.”

The Cameroonian has been fortunate to work with some exceptional coaches throughout his career, but it is with Guardiola and Mourinho that he has enjoyed his greatest success. With Guardiola's FC Barcelona, ​​Eto'o won the historic treble in the 2008-2009 season, alongside renowned players such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta. This treble included La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. The Indomitable Lions' all-time leading scorer played a key role in winning these titles, including scoring in the Champions League final against Manchester United.

After this exceptional season, Samuel Eto'o left Barça to join Mourinho's Inter Milan in 2009. Here again, he achieved another historic feat by winning a second treble with the Italian club. Under Mourinho, Inter dominated Serie A, won the Coppa Italia, and lifted the Champions League for the first time in 45 years. The Cameroonian forward was a mainstay of that team and contributed significantly during the Champions League finals, including the 2-0 victory in the final against Bayern Munich. This double feat allowed Samuel Eto'o to become the first player to win back-to-back trebles with two different clubs, an achievement that remains unmatched to this day.

If Samuel Eto'o admires Pep Guardiola's tactical talent, he especially mentions the psychological and emotional impact that José Mourinho had on him. For the best scorer in the history of the CAN, the Special One is much more than a simple technician, he is above all a master of motivation. “In terms of motivation and getting the best out of his players, Jose Mourinho is the best,” Eto'o said. He insists that the Portuguese coach's ability to transcend his teams and push them beyond their limits is what sets him apart from the rest.

José Mourinho has always been a great motivator for his players, and Eto'o was no exception. During their time together at Inter Milan, the Portuguese coach was able to create a work environment where each player felt valued and motivated to give their best. This approach allowed Inter to overcome huge obstacles in the Champions League, including eliminating FC Barcelona, ​​the club where Eto'o had just spent several seasons.

The relationship between Mourinho and Eto'o went beyond the professional sphere. The two men always displayed mutual respect and developed a real bond over the years. Their collaboration was not limited to Inter Milan. A few years after their Italian adventure, Eto'o joined Mourinho at Chelsea for the 2013-2014 season. Although his time in London was shorter, with only 35 appearances and 12 goals, the connection between the two men remained intact.

For Eto'o, the experience with Mourinho at Inter Milan remains unforgettable. He also claims that the treble achieved with the Milanese club under the Portuguese coach has a special flavor. “For me, the hat-trick with Jose is special,” he confided. Shortly after winning the Champions League with Inter, José Mourinho left the club to join Real Madrid, thus realizing his dream of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

For Mourinho, this decision was obvious, as he explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I wanted to go to Real. They had tried to get me the year before and when I was at Chelsea, you can't say no three times to Real Madrid.” His departure marked the end of a glorious era at Inter, but Mourinho left behind an indelible legacy.

In any case, José Mourinho, with his intense character and psychological approach, knew how to get the best out of Eto'o during their collaboration at Inter Milan and later at Chelsea. The Cameroonian, who experienced moments of glory under the orders of these two renowned coaches, considers Mourinho as the coach who has most marked his career.