"I'm not a defender of old or new football managers. I believe in good ones and bad ones, those that achieve success and those that don't."

Success

Create & Download Quote Graphic

Customize Image

1. Canvas Aspect Ratio

2. Palette Theme

Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Success as articulated by Jose Mourinho. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Success provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

Explore all Success quotes → Browse all wisdom by Jose Mourinho →

About Jose Mourinho

José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix is a Portuguese professional football manager and former player who is the head coach of La Liga club Real Madrid. Nicknamed "The Special One", he is one of the most decorated managers of all time. Mourinho has won league championships in four countries, is one of only seven managers to have won the European Cup with two clubs, and is the only manager to have won all three current UEFA club competitions. He was named Portuguese Coach of the Century by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) in 2015. Due to his tactical knowledge, charismatic and controversial personality, and a reputation for prioritising results over attractive football, he has drawn comparisons—from both admirers and critics—with Argentine manager Helenio Herrera.

View all quotes by Jose Mourinho →
Editorial Integrity: Curated and fact-checked under our Editorial Standards to eliminate misattributions and preserve historical authenticity.
Learn about our methodology →

More by Jose Mourinho

"The negative side of football. The negative side of our society. People sometimes go to football and bring to it the negative aspects of our society."

— Jose Mourinho
Read more →

"I think the best place to work in football is England."

— Jose Mourinho
Read more →

"Arsenal have won that advantage, nobody gave it to them. By playing fantastic football and by winning matches and by winning trophies, they won that respect that the opponent has for them."

— Jose Mourinho
Read more →

"Especially when you play at home, you need a good atmosphere behind you."

— Jose Mourinho
Read more →

More about Success

"But we look back now, and we realize the Great Society was not a success."

— Alphonso Jackson
Read more →

"Whether a party can have much success without a woman present I must ask others to decide, but one thing is certain, no party is any fun unless seasoned with folly."

— Desiderius Erasmus
Read more →

"Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results."

— William James
Read more →

"Success isn't everything but it makes a man stand straight."

— Lillian Hellman
Read more →
Browse all Success quotes →