Former Argentine striker Diego Milito has recently opened up about his memorable time under the management of Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan. Reflecting on their time together, Milito offered a unique perspective on Mourinho, calling him “evil on the outside,” yet explaining that this was a deliberate part of the coach’s strategy to shield his team from external pressures.
Milito’s journey with Mourinho was brief but historic. The two only spent a single season together at Inter Milan, during the 2009-2010 campaign.
However, their time together proved to be incredibly successful, as Inter Milan went on to clinch an unprecedented Treble, winning the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League all in one season. The Treble marked a momentous achievement not only for the club but also in the world of football, as Inter became the first Italian team to achieve this feat. Milito was instrumental in this success, particularly through his goal-scoring prowess, which made him a standout player in one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.
In a recent interview with TyC Sports, Milito shared insights into Mourinho’s leadership style, discussing the apparent duality of his public and private personas.
Milito described Mourinho as a manager who exudes a tough, even antagonistic persona publicly, yet he reveals a different side of himself within the privacy of the locker room. According to Milito, Mourinho’s public demeanor often perceived as intense, confrontational, and even “evil”—is a calculated move. This approach allows Mourinho to direct the spotlight and scrutiny toward himself, thereby taking pressure off his players and enabling them to focus solely on their game.
Milito explained, “He has one face on the outside but inside [the locker room], he is completely different. On the outside, he appears as the ‘evil’ to protect the team and reduce the pressure, but inside he is a very pleasant person.” This insight highlights a key element of Mourinho’s strategy his ability to deflect attention away from his team, fostering an environment where the players can perform without the constant pressure from fans and media.
In the highly competitive and often cutthroat world of European football, this type of management style can be invaluable, as it provides players with a mental cushion to cope with the demands of the sport at the highest level.
Milito’s revelation sheds light on the often misunderstood nature of Mourinho’s public persona. Over the years, Mourinho has developed a reputation as a divisive figure in football. Known for his sometimes controversial comments and bold declarations, he has been both admired and criticized by fans, players, and pundits alike. His career has been marked by rivalries and high-profile disagreements with players, referees, and even other managers.
However, as Milito suggests, much of this public bravado may be a performance, an intentional shield that allows his players to operate under less scrutiny.
Despite his intimidating exterior, Mourinho’s influence and success as a manager are undeniable. Over his career, he has managed some of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, including Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, achieving remarkable success with each.
His tactical prowess and ability to inspire loyalty among players have led to numerous titles and accolades, cementing his place among the elite managers of the game. Milito’s portrayal of Mourinho aligns with the accounts of several other players who have worked with him over the years. Many have described a similar duality—a hard exterior that contrasts with a caring and supportive nature behind the scenes. Mourinho’s unique approach has won him both fierce loyalty from some of his players and sharp criticism from others, but his track record speaks for itself.
For Milito, that season under Mourinho’s guidance was a defining moment in his career. The Argentine forward was instrumental in Inter’s Treble-winning campaign, especially during the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, where he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory. Those goals not only secured the prestigious title for Inter Milan but also elevated Milito’s status within the sport, as he became celebrated as one of the best forwards in the game. In that same season, he also scored the decisive goals in both the Coppa Italia and Serie A title-clinching matches, solidifying his role as a central figure in one of the most remarkable seasons in modern football.
Milito’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the psychology of a manager who has become known as much for his enigmatic personality as for his coaching successes. They reveal a man who is willing to play the part of the “villain” if it means his team will benefit from it. Mourinho’s willingness to take on this role for the sake of his players points to a deeper commitment to their well-being and success, often at the cost of his own image.
While some fans and critics may interpret his behavior as arrogant or overbearing, those who have worked closely with him, like Milito, see a different side of Mourinho one that is deeply invested in his players and is willing to do whatever it takes to bring out their best performances.
As Milito reflects on his time at Inter Milan, it’s clear that the season under Mourinho’s management left a lasting impression. While Mourinho’s tactics and style may not be conventional, they are undeniably effective, as evidenced by the numerous trophies he has won and the loyalty he inspires in players like Milito. Mourinho’s ability to navigate the pressures of high-stakes football, shielding his players from the external noise, is a testament to his deep understanding of the game, both on a tactical level and in terms of player psychology.
Milito’s account of Mourinho as a manager who is “evil on the outside” but compassionate within the team underscores the complexity of leadership in football.
It shows that behind the public performances, there is often a more nuanced and strategic approach at play. For Mourinho, this duality is not just an act it is a deliberate choice that has contributed to his enduring success in one of the world’s most demanding sports.
Through his willingness to bear the brunt of public pressure, Mourinho allows his players to flourish, and his achievements with Inter Milan during the 2009-2010 season remain a shining example of the heights that can be reached through a well-rounded, if unconventional, leadership approach.
