Jose told to button his lip
03 Mar 2007 - 08:26:15
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a verbal attack on Jose Mourinho and told his Chelsea counterpart to show greater dignity and button his lip.
Ferguson is unhappy that the former FC Porto coach has accused United of having all the good fortune this season as the title race hots up.
"I think Jose should button his lip for the rest of the season," said the veteran Scot.
"Jose has come out with some stuff about us this week. We expected that. He's on about referees and, God, I think he is the last person who should ever talk about referees.
"Goodness me, his football club have been involved in so many things with referees over the last couple of years.
"It seems to me that, if you contest Chelsea and they don't get their own way, then something happens - either with referees, players being threatened, things like that. It's an incredible club, it really is."
Blues midfielder Claude Makelele had also said in the build-up to United's Premiership clash with Liverpool that he was supporting Rafa Benitez's side, and Ferguson added: "We can expect a lot of the Chelsea players to come out with this sort of stuff between now and the end of the season.
"Makelele has already had something to say. [Michael] Ballack has said a few things. They're all having their say. Which is good. We've probably tried these things ourselves in the past.
"They can try [mind games]. Nothing can stop them. But we may have some answers as well, you know. I may be only just beginning because there is plenty for me to talk about with Jose and referees, and Chelsea and referees.
"I've got a catalogue of them, a big file, in my office if you want me to bring it out. But we'll leave that for another day."