Burkina Faso coach Paulo Duarte says he is inspired by Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho, whom he sees as a father figure.
Duarte has revealed the Portuguese manager has phoned him ahead of Wednesday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt.
Duarte played under Mourinho when he began his career with Uniao Leira in 2001 and has been strongly influenced by his fellow Portuguese.
“He congratulated me and said he is not surprised [that we reached the semis],” Duarte said at the team’s official presser ahead of their semi-final against Egypt on Wednesday.
“He is like a father for me, and for the young Portuguese coaches.
“For me, for us, Mourinho is a good reference, so when he called me I was very happy.”
Although Duarte is still searching for his maiden trophy, former Chelsea and FC Porto boss Mourinho boasts 23 titles, but beating the Pharaohs could take Duarte closer to his first major silverware.
Duarte spent a decade at Leira, featuring for the club from 1995 to 2004 as Mourinho’s centre-back. He added that the ‘Special One’ was a pillar in his career.
“Mourinho is very important in my career because 15 years ago, he changed the mentality of Portuguese football. The training and the mentality of the players changed,” Duarte said.
The highly anticipated encounter will be staged at 19:00 GMT and the venue is Stade d’Angondjé in Libreville.
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
