Watford manager Walter Mazzarri dismisses claims of grudge with Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho
Friday 16 September 2016 16:08, UK
Walter Mazzarri has quashed claims he holds a grudge against Jose Mourinho and says he will offer the Manchester United manager a post-match drink at Watford on Sunday.
The pair clashed over five years ago, when Mazzarri was manager of Sampdoria and Napoli, while Mourinho was in charge at Inter Milan.
When talking about Mazzarri in February 2010, Mourinho's spokesman said: "A donkey can work hard but will never become a thoroughbred."
Mazzarri responded by dismissing Mourinho for talking "rubbish, so much rubbish".
However, the Watford manager now insists their previous rivalry no longer matters, and they will hold respect for each other when Manchester United visit Vicarage Road on Sunday.
Trending
- The Friedkin Group complete Everton takeover
- Transfer Centre LIVE! 'Saudi could offer Rashford way out of Man Utd'
- Papers: Gravenberch set to stay at Liverpool amid Real Madrid links
- Lawson confirmed as Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate for 2025
- Usyk vs Fury 2: Start time, ring walks, undercard and odds
- Five years of Arteta: Arsenal transformed but what's next?
- World Darts Championship schedule: Smith in action on Thursday
- Nunez and Elliott strike as Liverpool battle past Southampton
- Hits and misses: Jesus, Elliott and Tonali all shine in Carabao Cup
- Gabriel Jesus is back! Hat-trick for Arsenal striker sinks Palace
"I have a very good relationship with Mourinho. Sometimes the press look at what happens in Italy; the same with (Chelsea's Antonio) Conte and Mourinho," said Mazzarri.
"It's normal when you fight for top positions that it happens but I have a very good relationship; a strong relationship with him. There is professional respect.
"Of course (I'll invite him for a drink). No problem."
Watch Chelsea v Liverpool, the Ryder Cup and all the Premier League and EFL Cup as part of our three months' half-price offer.