Sergio Ramos and Jose Mourinho endured a tempestuous relationship at Real Madrid and as Los Blancos get ready to face Manchester United in the Super Cup in Skopje, Macedonia on Tuesday evening, the Spain defender has said his former manager’s impact has been minimal in his career despite the fact that the Portuguese was responsible for switching him from right-back to central defence.
"I don't think that (switching to central defence) changed my career at all," he said. "Mourinho was just another coach I worked with in my football career and I have always learnt from others, from when I was a youngster at Sevilla. So I am very, very grateful but I don't think Mourinho has changed my life in football at all."
Mourinho led Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning LaLiga in 2011-12 but leaving at the end of the following season amid widespread reports of acrimonious relations with key players Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ramos.
When asked to compare Mourinho to current boss Zidane – Ramos chose to give a rather diplomatic response.
"One coach is not necessarily better than another. They are just different. Zizou was very good at understanding our dressing room as a former player. Maybe that gives him an advantage. One can look at the picture and draw different conclusions. I believe both are great coaches. We are lucky to be living this historical moment with Zizou."
The player was also on the verge of signing for Manchester United in 2015 before making a U-turn to sign a new deal with Madrid.
"There was an opportunity [to join United] in the past but eventually my situation was resolved in a different manner," he added.
"I am very grateful to Manchester United for the interest that they showed in the past but we are rivals now and we have to fight for the win."
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