News Focus
- Jose Mourinho picks Marco Materazzi and John Terry as his greatest centre-backs
- Comments made during video interview for Materazzi’s career book MM23
- Italian defender helped Mourinho win historic Treble with Inter in 2010
- Former England captain played 267 matches under Mourinho at Chelsea
- Both players led their clubs during major trophy-winning campaigns
Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has named Marco Materazzi and John Terry as the finest central defenders he has ever coached. The experienced boss made these remarks during a video discussion for MM23, an interactive book that documents the Italian World Cup winner’s career.
Mourinho worked with both players during the most successful periods of his management history. He guided Materazzi at Inter Milan between 2008 and 2010. During this time, the club achieved a historic treble by winning the Champions League, Serie A, and Coppa Italia in the same season.
The coach also enjoyed two separate periods in charge at Chelsea, where he managed Terry. The former England skipper played 267 matches under Mourinho, scoring 26 goals and providing 11 assists. These spells lasted from 2004 to 2007 and again from 2013 to 2015.
Mourinho stated that throughout his time leading top clubs such as Real Madrid, Inter, and Chelsea, these two defenders stood above all others he trained. Both players served as key figures and captains during hugely successful periods at their respective clubs.