Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has responded to Roy Keane’s comments about the Portuguese showing a lack of respect by shaking hands before the end of matches - by saying that he would do it again.
The 51-year-old sarcastically reacted to the Irishman’s scathing attack by questioning whether the former Manchester United captain was more interested in selling copies of his recently-published autobiography.
“For me, the moment that I consider fundamental is to shake hands before the match,” he said.
“Before the match, in my house, is my responsibility. I always go to the opposition dugout or in the tunnel before the game. That I always do. After the game it depends on you and the others.”
Mourinho added: “I don’t know if he really feels it or wants to sell books and needs my help for that.
“From people like him and his boss, I think I have a lot to learn about how to behave and I appreciate the comments.”
Keane’s comments were reiterated by Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert after Chelsea beat Villa at Stamford Bridge last month, with both Lambert and his deputy not impressed by Mourinho’s approach.
The Special One defended his unique routine though, which has offended other managers before, and highlighted the increasing post-match media requirements as a reason for his actions.
He added: “I think in this moment we have much more commitments with the media. More flash interviews and more TV from abroad. Ten minutes in the dressing room and 30 to 45 minutes of media. The conditions of that nice tradition have (now) changed.”
Mourinho was speaking ahead of his side’s away trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday – a fixture which saw Chelsea slip up last season to ultimately prevent them mounting a sustained title challenge.
