Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe star, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has offered an illuminating glimpse into his professional experience under the tutelage of the iconic Portuguese manager, José Mourinho. Osayi-Samuel, a former Queens Park Rangers player, characterized Mourinho as a profoundly 'interesting coach' to collaborate with, deeply reflecting on the unique brand of mentorship that accompanied training sessions led by the ex-Chelsea manager.

Osayi-Samuel vividly recalled his initial encounter with Mourinho, an event that immediately clarified the legendary coach's expectations. He recounted his first day, when he arrived late to training following a national team commitment. Mourinho’s directness was immediate and striking: 'The first thing he said to me was, ‘You are a good player, but you need to run more.’ I was like, what? You know? That just shows what type of guy he is.' This unvarnished feedback set the tone for Osayi-Samuel’s understanding of Mourinho’s demanding, yet ultimately rewarding, coaching philosophy.

The Nigerian international further elaborated on the rigorous standards Mourinho consistently demanded from his players. He noted that Mourinho could be exceptionally 'ruthless when things go wrong,' recounting instances where the team was required to remain on the training ground for extended periods—sometimes for '3-4 days'—as a direct consequence of a poor performance. Conversely, Mourinho was equally generous when the team performed well, often granting players 'four or five days off.' This balanced approach of strict accountability and ample reward meant players were compelled to adapt swiftly and maintain a high level of consistent performance.

Beyond the demanding tactical sessions and high-stakes preparations, Osayi-Samuel also unveiled a more personal and captivating aspect of working with Mourinho. He shared how, on the day before a match, the coach would often spend hours in his room, regaling players with stories drawn from his extensive and storied career in football. Osayi-Samuel noted, 'He had stories for days. We would stay in his room the day before a game and just speak for hours. He would tell us stories of players, and we’d all mention players we knew, because he had a story for every single player. He has a rich history of the game.' This intimate sharing of experiences added a unique dimension to their working relationship, offering players a deeper connection to the sport’s history through Mourinho’s personal anecdotes.

Osayi-Samuel ultimately described Mourinho as a 'tough' coach who masterfully balanced rewarding exceptional performances with ruthlessly addressing mistakes. Despite the intensity, he concluded by stating, 'He’s a great guy, and I’m honoured to work with him,' underscoring the deep respect he held for his former manager. This encapsulates the complex and impactful nature of Mourinho’s leadership, blending demanding professionalism with a memorable personal touch.

Shortly after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s transfer, José Mourinho’s tenure as head coach of Fenerbahçe concluded. He subsequently took on the managerial role at Benfica, where his team currently holds third position in the Liga Portugal, continuing his illustrious career in European football.