Frustrated Jose Mourinho sarcastically predicts Africa Cup of Nations winner

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Jose Mourinho has sarcastically predicted that the Ivory Coast will win this year’s Africa Cup of Nations title after their FA refused to let Eric Bailly stay in Manchester for one extra day.

Mourinho had requested an extra day before his defender left for Gabon to allow him to play today against West Ham.

However the request was denied by the Ivorian FA, leaving his manager frustrated by their inflexibility.

“Bailly goes to the national team. He has to be in the national team on the second of January. We asked them for him to be [there] on the third.” Mourinho said.

“They refused, so he cannot play against West Ham.

“I wish Ivory Coast to be champions because with these kind of decisions it’s because they are controlling every second, so for sure they are going to win the African Cup.”

It’s easy to understand his frustration. Bailly has only just returned from his second injury of the season, starting on Saturday against Middelsbrough after missing a sizable period.

Now no sooner has he returned than he is gone again, this time to compete for his country in Gabon.

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