Alexis Sanchez has revealed his belief that José Mourinho damaged his and his teammates' confidence during his time at Manchester United.
Mourinho's tenure at Old Trafford is largely seen as a failure - despite collecting three trophies during his three years at the club - due to a lack of progress on the pitch and a defensive style of football that made him the subject of criticism throughout his reign.
He was eventually sacked halfway through the 2018/19 season after a poor start left them 19 points off the top of the table.
His time in charge was also marred by a series of poor signings, the most high-profile of which being Sanchez. The Chilean was one of the best players in the Premier League when he joined Manchester United from Arsenal in January 2018, but experienced a notable decline during his time in the north west, suffering from a multitude of injuries and finding himself relegated to the bench when fit.
Sanchez, who is still a Manchester United player but is currently on loan at Inter, opened up about his experience under Mourinho, telling the BBC (via the Daily Mirror): "I say things as they are and in my opinion.
"Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world in the way that he coaches, how he studies videos, the way he goes about things.
"But then, within the group there was that feeling that you were in the team, then out. Sometimes I didn't play, then I did, then I didn't and as a player you lose confidence, each player lost their confidence, do you understand?
"And then an atmosphere was created that wasn't healthy. Sometimes I'm playing well and I score a goal and he took me off. And I'd say, 'I love football, I love football'.
"I've played football since I was five and if I have the ball taken away from me, it's as if I lose my joy. I'm like that."
Sanchez's time at Inter hasn't gone much better, having just made 15 appearances due to suffering from a tendon injury that ruled him out for much of the season before football's enforced hiatus.
The 31-year-old looks set for a return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, but where his future lies beyond that is anyone's guess.
Source : 90min