Jose Mourinho tips Jamie Vardy to be a success wherever he goes
After his incredible exploits in the Premier League this season, it is fair to say that Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has his fair share of admirers. And on of them is Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho – who suggested that the prolific forward could retain his golden touch at any of England’s elite clubs.
The Englishman shattered former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s long-standing record of scoring in 10 consecutive matches when he found the back of the net against the Dutchman’s former club, taking his goalscoring tally to 14 in the process. Vardy has performed excellently in Leicester’s counter attacking style integrated by manager Claudio Ranieri, but many suggest he could struggle at another club.
However, Mourinho begs to differ and stated that Vardy’s style would remain unchanged no matter where he goes.
“He is top scorer and it is normal that big clubs want him,” said Mourinho. “Even at a big club, transitions are important, fast players are important, people to attack space behind defenders are important.
“Obviously in the big teams sometimes we face very low [defensive] blocks where technical players to play in the box are very much needed. But I think a fast player with objective and being direct can have success everywhere.”
Mourinho’s own player Branislav Ivanovic echoed his manager’s sentiments and stated that no amount of physical pressure could discourage stop Vardy from finding the back of the net.
When asked about the different ways one could shackle the red-hot striker and whether kicking is an option, Ivanovic joked: “If it helps – why not? Some of the strikers don't like when you kick. You kill their confidence.
“But Vardy in the moment is running a lot and it is making the space for other players as well. They are confident, are in the place where they have really, really biggest confidence in the last couple of years. I think it will be very hard.”
Leicester City will finish in the top six: Mourinho
Mourinho, whose team are languishing in 15th in the Premier League and face Leicester City on Tuesday, said that the Foxes would certainly finish within the top six this season, making them contenders for the Europa League.
The Portuguese manager said: “They are in such a position where only three things can happen to them. One, to be champions, which would be amazing. Another would be to finish top four, which would again be a super achievement, but very normal at this moment because of the difference of points is very big.
“The worst thing that can happen to them is to finish top six, which should be a phenomenal season too.
“At this moment I don't think they are thinking about relegation anymore, they are not thinking about finishing in the top half as that is certain, so at this moment, they have conditions to enjoy playing free of pressure but keeping that ambition that leaves them in this fantastic position.”