There are few managers in the world of soccer more successful than Jose Mourinho, so it makes sense for an up-and-coming bench boss to want to pick his brain.
That's exactly what happened at halftime of the UEFA Champions League final, when newly appointed AFC Richmond coach Ted Lasso called Mourinho to see if he could receive some pearls of wisdom from his experienced counterpart. Lasso was curiously hired as Richmond's manager straight out of the U.S. college football ranks despite never having set foot on the sidelines of a soccer pitch, which explains Lasso's eagerness to soak in everything from his chat with "The Special One."
"I'm about to start this new coaching gig right here in the United Magical Kingdom, and I wouldn't mind getting a little mentoring from you," Lasso admitted to Mourinho. "Let's just say this Karate Kid is looking for his own Mr. Miyagi."
Despite Lasso's enthusiasm, the usually dour Mourinho was somehow even more surly than usual upon hearing from the American neophyte. Even so, Mourinho imparted some wisdom after listing off his numerous accolades, highlighting the differences between soccer played in various European leagues.
"There are similarities and there are differences, Ted," Mourinho explained. "British football is about pace and power. Italy is defence-focused. They are the masters of the catenaccio system. Whereas in Spain, they favour tiki-taka."
Lasso clearly struggled with some of the terms Mourinho used in their phone conversation, but there was no time for explanation as the second half of the match was about to start. Even in the limited time left in the conversation, Lasso still managed to keenly demonstrate the cultural differences between professional sports in the United States and Europe.
"Oh shoot, did I miss the halftime show?" Lasso asked. "Gosh dang it, who'd they have? Was it Bruno Mars? Coldplay? What was the entertainment?"
You can catch full episodes of "Ted Lasso" on Apple TV+.