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Benni McCarthy has reflected on how different circumstances earlier in his career might have led to a move to Real Madrid.
Benni McCarthy has revealed that if he had started working with Jose Mourinho earlier in his career, he might have had the chance to play for Real Madrid.
The South African revealed that playing at Celta Vigo, he gave his best shot, working with Victor Fernández. Benni McCarthy was sold to the Spanish La Liga Club for €6 million, the most expensive South African player at the time.
Going down memory lane on his time as a player, he disclosed that Jose Mourinho’s guidance made him think of what he could have done with his career if he had met him earlier, pointing out that he could have been signed by the Spanish giants.
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13:45 - 22.04.2025
Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Snubbed as South African Tactician Gets Nod for Orlando Pirates Job
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been in the news lately, being linked to the Orlando Pirates job as a potential Jose Riveiro successor.
“He (Jose Mourinho) was just like the best guy you could ever have in your career. At the time he came into my life, and I was like, ‘Wow man, where was this guy? Why wasn't he my coach at Celta? because I would have probably been signed by Real Madrid if I had him coaching me at the time,” Benni McCarthy revealed in an interview with Smash Sports.
Benni McCarthy on his evolving relationship with Jose Mourinho
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The Harambee Stars coach revealed that he still talks with Jose Mourinho, who coached him during his time at Porto.
Benni McCarthy joined Porto for a sum of €7.856 million in 2003, and he disclosed that Jose Mourinho made him fall in love with football once again.
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16:08 - 23.04.2025
'I Would Rob a Bank for Jose' - Benni McCarthy on How Mourinho Helped Him Heal from a Painful Past
Benni McCarthy has revealed how Jose Mourinho restored his love for football and helped him heal from past struggles, earning his lifelong loyalty.
He opened up about learning about coaching drills from Mourinho, noting that he still follows his ideologies to date.
“I still message him…I think my whole coaching career is based on his values. when I decided this is what I want to do, go into coaching, that's because I think I've got the neck for it,” Benni McCarthy revealed.
“But my coaching is based on Mourinho’s early years because he showed me what to be humble is and what it means to embrace all cultures.
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18:33 - 24.04.2025
'Not Much Will Change’- Gabby Thomas Opens Up About Engagement to Spencer McManes
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“He told me that it doesn't matter even if you don't play one single game for the first half of the season, that you still respect and you love the coach.”
Benni McCarthy’s reflections not only highlight the admiration he holds for Jose Mourinho but also a sense of ‘what could have been’ in his own career.
While he may have missed out on a dream move to Real Madrid, his journey under Mourinho at Porto reshaped his love for the game and deeply influenced his path into coaching.
Today, the former Manchester United attacking coach continues to carry Mourinho’s lessons into his own coaching philosophy.
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