Libreville (AFP) – Burkina Faso’s Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte says Jose Mourinho is “like a father” to him and revealed he received a phone call from his illustrious compatriot ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
Duarte’s side take on record seven-time champions Egypt in the first semi-final in Libreville on Wednesday after beating Tunisia 2-0 in the last eight at the weekend.
“He is like a father to me. He is someone who completely changed the mentality of Portuguese football,” said Duarte of the Manchester United manager at a press conference on Tuesday.
“He is a friend and he called me yesterday. The last time I spoke to him I was here in Gabon and we had played against Portugal,” added Duarte, 47, who had a spell as coach of Gabon before returning for a second stint with Burkina Faso.
“Gabon always brings me luck when it comes to having Mourinho on the phone. We have spoken three or four times in the last three years.”
Duarte was at Uniao de Leiria towards the end of his playing days when Mourinho had a spell in charge there just before his coaching career took off with Porto.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season