Jose Mourinho says managers who favour possession-dominated beautiful football are 'stupid'

Comments will be seen as barb aimed at Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal

Jose Mourinho celebrates winning the Premier League title (GETTY IMAGES)

Jose Mourinho has risked irking his rival Premier League managers by suggesting those who favour beautiful football over a steely defence and lethal counter-attacking are "stupid".

During Chelsea's title winning campaign they were accused of being boring - an accusation borne out of their success being built on clean sheets and narrow victories, particularly as the season went on.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal complained after his side lost at Stamford Bridge despite many more shots and much more possession. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also famed for his team's easy-on-the-eye style that hasn't always been rewarded in terms of trophies.

A new generation of managers such as Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers and Everton's Roberto Martinez have been hailed in recent seasons for playing stylish, attacking football.

But Mourinho will always be defined by winning.

"When people talk about a new generation of coaches, what is the new generation? The generation will always be the ones that win," the Portuguese told The Sunday Times.

"And the ones that win occasionally or never win will always be something else."

In a goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium a week after their win over United, Mourinho's side were subjected to chants of 'boring boring Chelsea' by the mass ranks of Gunners supporters.

But Mourinho, who has won eight league titles, seven domestic cups, one Uefa cup and two Champions Leagues has always favoured substance over style.

"What it is, is people who got some idea, some philosophy, and want to create something like 'We build very well from the back, we have a very good ball possession we don't play counter-attack,'" the 52-year-old added.

"But if you don't play counter-attack then it's because you are stupid. Counter-attack is a fantastic item of football, an ammunition that you have, and when you find your opponent unbalanced you have a fantastic moment to score a goal.

"So I think people are creating (illusions) and it has influenced public opinion. But football will never change. Football is to win."