“They Are Bad Losers” – Petr Cech Gives His Take on Bitter Rivals Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger

Soccer is no stranger to intense rivalries. Often a spectacle witnessed among iconic players, the intensity extends beyond the pitch to the managers’ dugouts. A prime example of this dynamic is the enthralling rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, who never failed to captivate fans. While both legendary coaches possess distinct styles, former goalkeeper Petr Cech asserts that ‘there’s no difference between‘ the two. 

The former Czech player was lucky enough to play under both Mourinho and Wenger during his stints with Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively. In fact, Cech has candidly revealed the similarities between the two tacticians. In the latest episode of John Obi-Mikel’s ‘The Obi One Podcast,’ host Chris McHardy questioned the former goalie about which manager he enjoyed playing under the most. 

Interestingly, Cech replied, “They are different in terms of their approach and character. But I have to say that they have clear similarities. They are both bad losers; they hate losing. And I can tell you, there’s no difference between Jose and Arsene in terms of losing the game.” The former Stade Rennais star then revealed how the two reacted if any of them lost a match.

“Jose obviously expresses in a completely different way; everybody knows that. The moment he comes the next day, he makes sure everybody knows. But you can tell that Arsene does everything that he wants to win badly. He has his own ways to do that,” added Cech. The 41YO further insisted that while it may look from the outside that Wenger and Mourinho are different, both in reality have ‘very similar’ traits. 

Indeed, this is quite an interesting revelation from the former Blues star. After all, their feuds throughout the years are a testament to this fact. 

A walk down memory lane in the rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger

Jose Mourinho’s two stints at Chelsea saw him and Arsene Wenger engage in a tempestuous rivalry. Every presser or interview saw either of the managers fire a bold statement for the other. While ‘The Special One’ once called Wenger a ‘specialist in failure,’ the French manager, on the other hand, acknowledged that his rivalry with Mourinho made him feel like he was in a ‘kindergarten.’ Beyond verbal clashes, their animosity even escalated to physical altercations.  

READ MORE: Introducing Kevin De Bruyne’s ‘Rebel’ Father Herwig, Who Criticized Jose Mourinho

The fight transpired at Stamford Bridge in October 2014, when the Blues won 2-0. Notably, when comparing the numbers, Mourinho has managed to defeat Wenger 9 times while playing to 7 draws and suffering just 2 losses. Although both are tied in terms of PL trophies, winning 3 each, Mourinho boasts 4 European trophies and the League Cup compared to Wenger’s zero. However, the Gunners’ icon has secured 7 FA Cups, surpassing the former Real Madrid manager’s lone win.

Be that as it may, the rivalry between Mourinho and Wenger is certainly for the history books. And Cech’s revelation surely sums it up.