Asmir Begovic takes thinly-veiled swipe at Antonio Conte

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 20 July 2017

Asmir Begovic says that he is grateful to Jose Mourinho for taking him to Chelsea two years ago, rating the Portuguese as the best manager he has previously worked for.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has admitted that Jose Mourinho was the best manager he has previously worked under in an apparent parting shot at Antonio Conte.

The Bosnia international quit Stamford Bridge earlier this summer to link up with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, where he is likely to be installed as first-choice keeper.

Begovic found playing time hard to come by during his only season under Conte, being handed just eight starts in all competitions in 2016-17, and says that he learned more from working with Mourinho the year before.

"I think the best manager I've worked under – and it was a shame it was for such a short time – was Mourinho," he told reporters. "The way he thinks about the game, the way he works with players was incredible to see.

"Obviously, he brought me to Chelsea so I'm grateful to him for that. I was lucky to play under many good managers but I would definitely put him on top of the pile. I learned a lot from him in the short space of time we worked together."

Chelsea have since signed ex-Manchester City stopper Willy Caballero on a free contract to replace Begovic, providing back-up to Thibaut Courtois next season.