Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has quipped that he won’t be giving a lesson in defending at Harvard, responding to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s recent praise.
Chiellini, alongside Leonardo Bonucci, gave a defensive masterclass against Manchester United last week as Juventus scored a narrow but comfortable win at Old Trafford in the Champions League.
Mourinho, who wanted to sign a defensive leader in the summer for his backline, enthusiastically praised the Italian duo for their performance and said that they can provide lessons on defending at Harvard.
Chiellini has responded to the praise from the Manchester United manager and insisted that the only reason he wants to go to Harvard University is to get a master’s degree in Economics.
“I would like to go to Harvard University to get a master’s degree in Economics”, the Italian defender told TuttoJuve.
“Not to give a lesson on defending.”
Bonucci revealed recently that Manchester United wanted to sign him in the summer, but once Juventus came calling he wanted to return to his former club.
Mourinho is eyeing signing a big name centre-back in January, with Manchester United believed to be prepared to loosen the purse strings.
Mourinho is set to meet with United Board as they discuss potential targets ahead of the January transfer window. The former Chelsea manager has been critical of the club’s board for not backing him in the transfer market.
Mourinho has made it known publicly he needs a centre defender and, it looks like he is set to get his wish. The Portuguese gaffer is currently discussing with the board on the players he will like to sign when the transfer window opens.
The ongoing discussions suggest United are planning for the long-term with Mourinho, however, after intense speculation over his future during the first part of the Premier League season.
The spotlight was firmly shone on the Portuguese and his relationship with the board after he spoke out about failing to get his targets in the summer and then said he was the victim of a “manhunt”.