Johan Cruyff believes Jose Mourinho is setting a bad example to young people with his behaviour.

Cruyff launched an attack on the former Chelsea manager and reopened his war of words with Louis van Gaal during an interview with Sky Sports News on Tuesday.

Mourinho has come in for criticism for his management of Chelsea so far this season. The champions are languishing in 16th position in the Premier League after losing four of their opening eight matches, but the Portuguese's antics on the touchline have annoyed Cruyff.

Mourinho was criticised for his treatment of Dr. Eva Carneiro, who left the club after rowing with the Chelsea manager over an injury to Eden Hazard against Swansea.

The former Real Madrid manager was also charged with misconduct for his comments about referees following the 3-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

"He's controversial,'' the former Ajax and Barcelona manager said. "What I like about him is he's always capable of creating good ambiance within the players and what I don't like is that he always puts himself on the first row. He should be on the second row.

Johan Cruyff says Jose Mourinho needs to set a better example with his behaviour. Albert Llop/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

"It's probably because of his background, where he's never been cheered by 100,000 people, or whistled at by 100,000 people.

"Maybe it's because of that, maybe because of the interest from the press, but I don't think he is educating children to play football or educating for life.

"He should behave better because he will be in the press all over the world.''

Another manager Cruyff has little time for is Van Gaal.

The Dutch pair have had a running feud for some years now and Cruyff decided to reopen old wounds by criticising Manchester United's style of play under the 64-year-old.