'You owe me one!' - Jose Mourinho ambushed TV interview to praise referee's performance after ex-official Jon Moss hit out at legendary manager for persistent criticism

Moss, who officiated hundreds matches in the English top flight over his illustrious career, was well-known for his strict yet composed officiating style. Across his tenure, he issued 907 yellow cards, 14 red cards, and awarded 81 penalties, averaging a spot-kick every 3.4 matches.

While the technical aspect of refereeing is challenging, Moss admitted that one of the toughest parts of the job is handling the players and managers who bring intense emotions and personalities to the game. When asked about the most difficult coach to control, his answer was immediate.

Speaking on the Row Z FC podcast, Moss said: "I always had a love-hate relationship with Jose Mourinho. I sent him off three times, I thought he was a fantastic manager, in terms of the kind of character you want in the league he would be challenging at times, he would be fantastic company to have.

"We went to the Europa League final with Anthony Taylor, and he greeted us in the car park like a long-lost brother. There have been times when I was toe-to-toe with him in the dressing room where I had to stand my ground."

Among his many exchanges with the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham boss, one moment stood out as classic Mourinho. Moss explained how he once complained to Mourinho about never receiving positive feedback from managers in post-match interviews. The response he received was both unexpected and vintage Mourinho.

"I said 'Jose, you never say anything good about referees on the TV!' and he said 'Wait here!'," Moss continued.

"He runs in, one of his players is being interviewed on Sky, and he pushes him to one side and goes on the camera and says 'I thought the referee had a great game today!' He then walked into the dressing room and said 'there you go, you owe me one' and walked off!"

While Mourinho’s Premier League days are in the past, he is currently battling for Super Lig supremacy with Fenerbahce in Turkey. However, his side recently suffered a disappointing Europa League exit at the hands of Rangers, which now allows them to focus solely on their domestic title race. Currently, Fenerbahce sit nine points behind league leaders Galatasaray, though they have a game in hand.