Aurelio De Laurentiis has launched a passionate defence of Jose Mourinho following Napoli's Champions League defeat to Benfica. The Napoli president slammed critics who believe the Portuguese tactician is 'finished', claiming that European football culture seeks to 'bury' winners out of envy, whereas they would be celebrated as icons in the United States.
De Laurentiis defends the Special One
Napoli's hopes of securing automatic qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League suffered a significant blow this week as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Benfica. The result has complicated the Italian side's path to the last 16, forcing them into a precarious position heading into the final matchdays of the league phase. However, rather than criticising his own players or manager Conte, De Laurentiis chose to heap praise on the architect of his team's downfall.
Speaking at the Gazzetta dello Sport Awards, the Napoli president insisted that losing to a team managed by Mourinho should not be seen as a disaster. De Laurentiis has long been an admirer of the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss, and he used the platform to fire back at pundits and fans who argue that the 62-year-old's powers are waning.
"We can't expect to win every game, also because Mourinho isn't simple to beat," De Laurentiis stated. "Who thinks he is finished says the usual nastiness that is poured against winners."
Mourinho 'buried by envy' in Europe
De Laurentiis went further, offering a cultural critique of how European football treats its aging legends compared to American sports. The film mogul, who spends significant time in the United States, believes there is a toxic culture of "envy" in Europe that seeks to tear down successful figures once they show signs of vulnerability.
He contrasted the treatment of Mourinho—who has faced intense scrutiny regarding his tactical approach and sideline antics in recent years - with the reverence shown to veteran coaches and athletes across the Atlantic.
"In America, the greats are held in the palm of a hand," De Laurentiis argued. "In Europe, they are buried by envy."