World Football Quotes of the Week

Who cares about on-field football action when so many managers are ready to spurt nonsense?

This "Quotes of the Week" iteration is dedicated to coaches who should probably hush before speaking in public. You'll notice a Premier League flavour, especially potent after a dramatic weekend in England's top flight.

In fact, perhaps this edition highlights the pressures of managing a new side. Take a look through this week's selection and be sure to add any of your own quotes in the comments section.

Enjoy! 

'Chelsea Manager Is Jose Mourinho, Not Jamie Redknapp!'

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Jose Mourinho is probably the only man in the world who would keep Juan Mata on the bench at Chelsea.

Sky Sports pundit and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp is convinced the Spanish maestro must start for the Blues, but after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fulham, Mourinho made it clear his judgment wouldn't be overruled by the press.

Speaking to Redknapp and a studio audience on Sky Sports' Saturday Night Football show directly after the win, Mourinho rebuffed any concerns, as reported by Joe Strange of the Daily Mail:

"

I know that lots of people, including yourself, like Mata very much and that he should play in Oscar's position. I think the evolution of the team and the way I want to play, Mata and Oscar can play together. I want that.

For that, Juan has to work and has to adapt to a certain way of playing because I'm not ready to change Oscar's position.

"

After discussing both Oscar and Mata in detail, Mourinho concluded with a cheeky remark:

"

In my office before the game I was enjoying your stats and your comparison between Oscar and Juan last year. You cannot compare a number 10 with a player who plays wide on the right and chases the full-back up and down all the time.

I respect you a lot, I think you are very good but Chelsea manager is Jose Mourinho, not Jamie Redknapp.

"

Although clearly meant in jest, it's clear Mourinho will not guarantee Mata first-team football until he is playing in a manner which suits the manager. 

'If I Was in Their Position I'd Be Furious'

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Paolo Di Canio was brought in to rescue Sunderland from relegation at the end of last season. The angry Italian did that, but since the current campaign kicked off, he has failed to win a game with the Black Cats.

The pressure is truly on after suffering a 3-0 away defeat to West Brom, the only other side who remained without a win before the thrashing took place. At the final whistle, Di Canio trotted over to the frustrated support in order to take stock of the situation.

As reported by BBC Sport, the former Swindon boss knows Sunderland's supporters are right to criticise him:

"I absorb the insults as it's part of the game—if I was in their position I'd be furious. But I'm professional: 24 hours a day I work for this cause. One day their reaction will be a different reaction."

Can Di Canio prove his critics wrong? Either way, expect the 45-year-old boss to appear in this article across the season. 

'Ozil Couldn't Handle the Pressure at Madrid'

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Real Madrid players appear to have become slightly bitter at the club's decision to let Mesut Ozil leave the Bernabeu.

As reported by Paul Collins of the Daily Mail, Sergio Ramos indicated the German would have been the last player to leave if the Spaniard was coach, while Isco also remained confused at the decision.

Laurie Whitwell of the Daily Mail also reports Cristiano Ronaldo is angry at the sale of the truly world-class footballer.

In a bid to soften the blow, club president Florentino Perez claimed Ozil "couldn't handle the pressure at Madrid," as reported by Kevin Palmer of ESPN.

With three assists in two masterful Premier League appearances for Arsenal, it appears pressure is the last thing Ozil feels right now.  

'When I Came I Thought Wayne Rooney Had Gone a Bit Soft'

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Wayne Rooney has been called a lot of things in his time.

Upon entering Old Trafford as new Manchester United manager, David Moyes believed the burly Englishman had lost his spark and the kind of drive that has made him such a success over the years.

As told to MUTV and reported by Paul Wilson of The Guardian, the Scottish manager questioned whether Rooney was the Red Devils' hardman any longer:

"

When I came I thought he had gone a bit soft.

I didn't think there was ever a line to draw under between me and Wayne but now he realises the situation. This is a big year for him with the World Cup and he would say, by his standards, 'last season wasn't my best season'.

The great thing from our point of view is that he has set out his own stall to improve on that, and we are all pleased with the results.

"

After Manchester United's dismal 4-1 demolition at the hands of local rivals Manchester City, it appears all of the team have gone a bit soft.

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