Arrogance goes with the job, says Chelsea's Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he has adopted an arrogant persona because his job requires it.

"I'm arrogant because it is necessary to be that way in the world of football," Mourinho said yesterday.

"I don't like picking quarrels with people, but I'm not going to allow them to meddle with me.

"I want to mind my own business and other people should mind theirs. But if people step on you, then you have to step on them in return. You can't remain silent."

The Portuguese has frequently been accused of arrogance. He has been involved in an on-going spat with former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff and has had run ins with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Mourinho said his main concern was to protect his players.

"I want the players to feel protected, motivated and comfortable, even though it may be my image that is at stake," he said.

"At the end of last season they told me that the way I had behaved with the media had helped them have a much easier time with the press and allowed them to work without distractions. My objective was accomplished and that's what is important.

"When I say I want to stay at Chelsea for many years I mean that in every sense. Part of that is the press and at times I enjoy the whole game. It can be good fun."

Mourinho said Chelsea played the way they did because it was effective.

"Personally it isn't my favourite style of play, but it is the style that has the biggest chance of success in English football," he said.

"A coach shouldn't adapt a team to his personal tastes, but should adapt to the reality of the league in which his team plays."

The former Porto coach also said Real Madrid had not contacted him about taking over at the Spanish club.

"I've got four more years on my contract with Chelsea and I hope to win enough to complete those four years and, if possible, to stay on longer," he said.