Jose Mourinho: "I would spend hours and hours thinking about how to stop Lionel Messi"

Jose Mourinho says he used to spend hours and hours working out how to stop Lionel Messi.

During his time in charge of Real Madrid, the Portuguese coach would regularly come up against Barcelona's No.10.

However, speaking at a press conference on Friday, he admitted it was near enough impossible to prevent the Argentine doing his business. 

"Lionel Messi is impossible to mark," Mourinho said. 

"He is unique and always makes the difference. With Messi, any team can win the Champions League. 

"Messi has been the most dangerous rival I have ever had to face -- and many times, too. 

"Each time I would spend hours and hours thinking of the best way to stop him collectively, because it is impossible to man mark him."

Mourinho has already wrapped up the league with Chelsea, but will be hoping to improve in Europe next season.