Wednesday 5 April 2017 09:28, UK
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa admits he finds no pleasure watching Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho’s style of football.
Mourinho has overseen an underwhelming Premier League campaign at Old Trafford, summed up by the 1-1 draw against Everton on Tuesday night which leaves them four points adrift of the top four.
The result means Manchester United have won just six of their 16 Premier League home games this season, drawing nine and losing once, scoring just 21 goals.
United's struggles haven't gone unnoticed in France where Ben Arfa has opted to openly criticise Mourinho - and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone - for their defensive approach.
"Many coaches are convinced to invent football on the pretext that they are looking for a system to block the opponent," Ben Arfa told France Football.
"But this is not in the essence of football, with [Jose] Mourinho and [Diego] Simeone.
"It is the antithesis of [Johan] Cruyff and his freedom, and with them there is no longer room for pleasure.
"There is no more spectacle, to the point that football interests me much less. I do not find pleasure watching matches.
"Even in Ligue 1, we kill football."
Ben Arfa joined who he called his "boyhood club" in the summer when leaving Nice for PSG, but has struggled to make a significant impact and has made just five league starts.
Reports have linked the former Newcastle attacker with a move away from PSG in the summer, but the 30-year-old is keen to stay and fight for his place.
He told his Facebook page: "I am not demanding anything, not playing time, not a specific position. All that I want is to be given my chance. I want to feel like there is competition in this team.
"I am a competitor, I am a champion. In my head, I love to win. It is difficult to accept to be a substitute. You can accept being on the bench if it is temporary, or if things can be turned around. Instead, it is like it was a punishment. If I am given my chance, and I do not do well, I will leave on my own accord.
"I would understand. Today, I do not accept my situation. It would be terrible to accept this. I will not give up. Up until the end of the season I am going to try to force my destiny."
