Jose Mourinho’s flirtatious comments about Newcastle United summer signing Gini Wijnaldum have prompted Magpies boss Steve McClaren to respond.
Chelsea manager Mourinho stated earlier this week that Newcastle’s £14.5m buy from PSV was good enough to play for his title-winning team.
The Special One told BBC Sport: “There will be more times when the non-title contenders win matches against the title contenders.
“It’s also difficult because they have players who could play in our teams – [Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan] Cabaye could play for Chelsea, Wijnaldum could play for Chelsea, {Bournemouth winger Max] Gradel could play for Chelsea.
“You have a minimum of five title contenders and the other teams get stronger and stronger.”
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McClaren was asked what he thought about Mourinho’s words on Wijnaldum being good enough for the Blues.
The former England boss said: “He will be – but hopefully not for another four or five years!
“I think he brings energy, tempo and quality on the ball. He can score goals and has adaptability in midfield. He can sit, go forward, go box-to-box and play No.10, so he has that flexibility.”
McClaren was speaking ahead of Wijnaldum’s debut – Sunday’s 2-2 draw, in which he scored.
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