Jose Mourinho press conference LIVE - Alexis Sanchez ruled out of Manchester United vs Juventus
Follow the latest from Mourinho’s press conference ahead of the Champions League clash
Manchester United face Juventus in the first of their Champions League double-header on Tuesday knowing that a victory would give them a great chance of reaching the knockout stages, having opened up a gap over third-place Valencia after their draw last time out.
But defeating last season’s Champions League quarter-finalists will be a tough ask for Jose Mourinho’s side given they arrive at Old Trafford with former United forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the ranks, with Juventus also looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.
Mourinho will speak to the media from 2pm where he will look ahead to the match itself, deliver that latest team news and no doubt be asked about Ronaldo’s Old Trafford return, as well as question over the fallout from the weekend’s 2-2 draw with his former club Chelsea. Follow his press conference live below.
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On Pogba, how has he improved since his Juventus days...
I don't like this press conference. I don't want to speak about Pogba, about individuals...
I feel the press conference is going in another direction and I want to go in another direction.
Mourinho changes the subject to Marco Ianni, the Chelsea coach that celebrated in front of him
I'm not happy that he's going too far with young boy. He does not deserve more than what he got. He apologised to me, he deserves a second chance, he doesn't deserve to be sacked. He went through a situation where he recognises he was wrong. I hope everybody does the same as I did and do not disturb the career of a great guy. I'm not happy at all with more than that. End of story the moment he apologised to me. I don't want to boy to go through more than that. I made lots of mistakes.
Mourinho ends with an answer on Juventus, hailing the depth of quality within the squad and claiming that they are a contender for this season's Champions League.
The United manager became quite frustrated there, believing too many questions focused on individuals rather than the game and that Spanish journalists in attendance only wished to ask about Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The main line from that?
Despite reports linking Mourinho with a return to Spain this morning, he is happy to stay at Old Trafford and wants to stay beyond the terms of his existing contract.
"My future is here. I have a contract until the final day and I would like to stay after my contract runs out as well. I only think about Manchester United."
Has the mood changed after two positive results?
The mood is really positive. We were disappointed with how the game ended against Chelsea but a lot has changed behind the scenes.
On Ronaldo, do you want to emulate him?
He's a guy that has been consistent for the last 10 years. He's an example for all the young players coming up.
Why are you struggling to score goals this season? No goal in last seven games for United
I still think my teamwork between myself and my team has improved better. The players need to know my movement, I need to know their movement. Once that happens I think the results like we had in Belgium will start to come.
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