Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho believes that more time investment into youth will improve the standard of domestic Asian competitions. The former Chelsea boss targeted Singapore's S-League as one of those competitions in Asia that needed to improve its competitiveness.

"To me, the S-League championship is still very young. It's just over a decade old and quite different from ours. There are 12 teams in the league compared to the 20 we have and there's no promotion or relegation," Mourinho told The New Paper.

"I think it is a tournament with a loss of competitiveness.

"I've heard about the Singapore Armed Forces and how they have won the (S-League) title seven times," he added.

"In spite of his age, Aleksander Duric is still a great player. In the last two years, I can (see) that (he) has been the best player in the S-League, which is an achievement."

Mourinho identified the development of youth as the major way to improve football standards in the country.

"To improve the development of footballing talent, there has to be a great effort and energy invested in the youths. Don't leave it to chance," he warned.

"Inter realised that in order for young players to go far, they needed a good foundation.

"I believe that Asia has the talent to be appreciated at the same level as other nations, especially for players who decide to try their hand at becoming professional."