Andre Villas-Boas hails Josep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho

Villas-Boas hails Guardiola and Mourinho

06-Jan-2013 2:55:00 AM

The 35-year-old praised the impact the former Barcelona boss made on modern football, while acknowledging the importance of his former mentor in his own journey as a coach

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has spoken of his admiration for the revolutionary style of football implemented by Pep Guardiola during his stint in charge of Barcelona, maintaining the Spaniard has laid down a legacy in the sport.

Guardiola led the Blaugrana to unprecedented levels of success when he took charge in 2008, steering the Catalan side to 14 trophies in four years.

And the Portuguese trainer was quick to acknowledge the lasting impression left by the former Spain international, praising his work as revolutionary.

"Guardiola set the standard. People respect the style of play, football philosophy and values he created," declared Villas-Boas to Portuguese magazine Expresso.

"Barcelona play fast football that can be slow at the same time. The players always make the right decisions when on the ball."

Villas-Boas was part of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff during their stint together at Chelsea, and was also quick to pay tribute to the Real Madrid supremo's impact on his development.

"Working with Mourinho was the best learning experience, it helped me a lot," he added.

The Europa League winner was nevertheless unable to emulate his predecessor's success on the Chelsea bench, and lamented his ill-fated reign at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "We didn't get the chance when things were still possible. It was not right."