In Arsène Wenger’s recently published autobiography, My Life in Red and White, the name of José Mourinho does not occur. The two managers developed a rivalry in England over the decades; they faced each other nineteen times, and Mourinho called his colleague a ‘specialist in failure’ in 2014. That he is nevertheless not mentioned in the autobiography, does not surprise the current trainer of Tottenham Hotspur.

In the autobiography, Wenger writes about his period as manager of Arsenal between 1996 and 2018. He met Mourinho during his periods as manager of Chelsea and Manchester United. Wenger won only two of the nineteen mutual duels; Mourinho was victorious ten times. Seven times the match remained undecided. The Portuguese is asked at the press conference prior to the home game with West Ham United on Friday afternoon why he thinks his name does not appear in the book and responds in a vile way.

Jose Mourinho has a theory about why he doesn’t feature in Arsene Wenger’s new book ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/4zcjVsBaee

– SPORTbible (@sportbible) October 16, 2020

“Because he never beat me. You’re not going to write a chapter about a series of twelve or fourteen games without a win, so why would he?” Mourinho wonders with a laugh. “A book is something that makes you happy and proud, so I get it very well.” The relationship between Mourinho and Wenger hit rock bottom in October 2014, when they got to grips with Stamford Bridge on the sidelines. Wenger entered Chelsea’s technical zone and nudged Mourinho, who in turn responded.

It was certainly not the first time that both trainers were at odds. The relationship suffered a first dent in 2004, after Wenger’s Arsenal had been toppled by newcomer Mourinho and his Chelsea as champions of England. Wenger then accused his colleague of using a defensive tactic. “We live in a world of winners and losers. However, the sport is in danger if teams refuse to take the initiative,” he said at the time. In the following years, Wenger and Mourinho often got into trouble verbally.