Jose Mourinho insisted today he is one of the world's best managers in a continued defence of his managerial record despite Manchester United's recent struggles.
Mourinho ended a press conference following his side's 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Monday by demanding respect from the media.
United also lost, 3-2, at Brighton the week before, but the Portuguese launched into a fierce defence of his record.
"I am the manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world but I am also one of the greatest managers in the world," said Mourinho.
That was the start of another edgy exchange between Mourinho and journalists in which he was asked whether he could still claim to be one of the greatest managers in the world should he fail to win a league title with United.
And, in keeping with his recent self-justification, Mourinho even cited 18th century German philosopher Georg Hegel.
"Of course," said Mourinho. "Hegel says the truth is in the whole, the truth is always in the whole.
"Do you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the Premier League or fourth? To the manager who finished fifth?"
"Because he never won anything in international (competition), for example. That's his problem, I tell you what I think, how I feel. And I answer the question."
"I won eight (league) titles, I am the only manager in the world that won in Italy, Spain and England and by winning eight titles - not small titles or countries - my second position last season is one of my greatest achievements in football. I think."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content