McDonald Mariga recieves instructions from Jose Mourinho when they worked together in 2010. Photo: Imago

Harambee Stars legend McDonald Mariga has disclosed what makes legendary coach Jose Mourinho tick, having worked with him 15 years ago.

Kenyan legend McDonald Mariga has opened up over why Jose Mourinho remains a special coach, having worked with him 15 years ago.

Mariga is among the players who worked under the maverick Portuguese coach, who signed him in January 2010 for Italian giants Inter Milan, as they went on to win a historic treble of Serie A, UEFA Champions League and Coppa Italia.

The Football Kenya Federation vice president says working with Mourinho was a great feeling as he lifted the standards of everyone but was never afraid to reprimand anyone who did not pull their weight.

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“He was like a father. He loved to spend a lot of time with the players,” Mariga said on SuperSport TV while working as a pundit on Champions League matches, including Tuesday’s clash between Mourinho’s Benfica and his ex-club Chelsea.

“He was patient with players. You cannot get a coach like that nowadays. He loves to be around players. He loves people to improve. He wants to make his team great.

“His mentality is always winning, and if you lose, it is bad luck. He cannot allow you to play poorly and lose; that is unacceptable, but if you lose because the opponents were better, that is okay,” he added, explaining how highly-demanding the 62-year-old coach is.

Mourinho’s man-management skills have always divided opinion with some liking his abrasive approach while others feel it can be toxic but Mariga is thankful that he got to cross paths with the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham coach.

“But if you are not giving your all, he will tell you off. If you wear that shirt, the Inter shirt in 2010, you had to give 150%,” he added.

Mourinho is currently the coach of Portuguese giants Benfica, having returned to the club that he worked at briefly 25 years ago last month, following his sacking from Turkish side Fenerbahce.

The ex-AS Roma coach started his Champions League campaign with Benfica on a losing note following their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday.