Mourinho: I hope Guardiola enjoys his time off and I send him a big hug from here

Posted Wednesday, May 02, 2012 by Goal.com

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has sent his best wishes to Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola after the Catalan trainer revealed that he will step down from his position at the end of the season.

Guardiola announced on Friday that he would be bringing his four-year stay at the helm of Barca to an end in the summer due to suffering from physical and mental stress, with his assistant, Tito Vilanova, set to replace him.

Mourinho had recently claimed that he would not conduct a domestic press conference for the rest of the season but surprisingly turned up to address the media on Tuesday, instead of his usual replacement, assistant coach Aitor Karanka.

"I don't have to comment on Guardiola," said the Portuguese. "It's his decision. When they fire us, we deserve solidarity, and in many cases the clubs deserve criticism, but Guardiola's case is completely different.

"It's a personal decision, he knows it. He has to comment on it, say what makes him happiest at any moment. That's why there is no feeling of going against anybody, or of feeling sorry for anybody. The most important thing is that he is happy with his decision.

"I have been a coach for 12 years, and me being worn out will be in June when there are no games or training sessions. But everyone is different, and you have to accept that. I hope Guardiola enjoys his time off and I send him a big hug from here."

Mourinho also revealed that winning titles in the 'big three' leagues is very special to him as he sits on the verge of a first Primera Division title with Los Blancos.

The capital-city giants will be crowned champions of Spain if they can defeat Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, regardless of Barcelona's result versus Malaga, which would add to titles previously won with Chelsea and Inter, along with trophies at Porto.

The 49-year-old was keen to talk about one of his biggest goals in football, along with displaying the confidence we have all become accustomed to when discussing future trophies.

"Until the title is won, it's hypothetical," he added. "Normally I'm calm. It will not be my last league, there will be another opportunity to celebrate again so I'm not a man of great celebrations.

"But I've never hidden that one of my goals was to win the three major leagues in world football and if I do, I'm sure it will be a moment of great joy for me."