Mourinho: Jota is really good and everyone loves him. Ferrari team is like Real Madrid in F1
Fenerbahce coach Mourinho attended the Ferrari event at the F1 British Grand Prix this Friday as a guest, during which time he was interviewed.
He said: "My friend Domenicari (F1 CEO) wanted me to stay here all weekend, but tomorrow I have to set off back to Istanbul. I talk to many friends in the sport to learn all the new trends and all kinds of things about F1. It's stressful and there's a lot to learn." Is the role of the coach similar to the team manager?
"There are a lot of talents, responsibilities and pressure in football. Yes, it's not much different in F1."
The sports world is mourning Jota, are you familiar with him?
"People will say he is great when people die, but Jota is really great. We have a common agent and team, but everyone loves him more than him as a player. Jota is excellent, but as a person, it doesn't seem like people of this era: he doesn't pursue attention, nor wants to be the protagonist, although he is indeed the protagonist, playing in Liverpool and Portugal's national team and winning honors."
"But now, there are three children to grow up without a father, his wife has lost her beloved husband, and parents have lost two children. Maybe one day we will understand and accept it, but it's hard now."
Some people say that Ferrari is the most stressed team. What do you think of this situation?
"Ferrari is like Real Madrid in F1. The pressure can only be dealt with by winning. When you don't win, you must have faith, stick to yourself, and win the time that fans and bosses don't give you. Just like coaches and players, team managers and drivers must also believe in themselves and the team. Then have drivers who are better than Leclerc and Hamilton... Well... As the Madrid people would say: 'Wear a white jersey (Real Madrid jersey), you are equivalent to leading 1-0', but there is still 90 minutes left in the game, and sometimes even if you lead 1-0, you will lose. Ferrari is almost the same. He wins first when entering the game, but there is two hours of battle. But I can understand that wearing a red jersey is a dream and a responsibility for them."
F1's free practice is a bit like the last training before the football game. How do you think of their performance?
"Hamilton played at home, and he always stood on the podium here. Last year, no one expected him to win the championship. He was very familiar with the track, and I hope this is his lucky place."