Mourinho still a great, despite el Clasico defeat

Barcelona players may have dominated the Ballon d’Or award but for me there was only one man who could win the Coach of the Year last year that was Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.

The self proclaimed ‘Special One’ had a truly special year in 2009, despite his Real sides 5-0 mauling at Barcelona’s hands.

Treble

Last season under Jose Mourinho’s management Inter scooped the treble of Serie A title, Champions League crown and Coppa Italia.

The league title victory was expected and the cup win could have been predicted but winning the Champions League was a truly special achievement.

Special

Their 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich was a routine victory but it was in the semi-finals against the competition favourites Barcelona that Mourinho really showed his tactical brilliance. He managed to do what most managers in Europe had failed to do, that’s beat Barcelona.

He knew exactly how to subdue the talents of the Barcelona players and inspire his side to a memorable victory. His tactical nous has turned him into one of the best bosses to ever grace a dugout.

Unfinished

The scary thing for other managers is that the Portuguese boss is only in the early stages of his managerial career. He already has two Champions League winners’ medals in his collection and now he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho is a match made in heaven, a Galactico club to go with a Galactico boss. If he is given the time he will be successful at the Bernabeu. The problem he currently has is that the current Barcelona side seems unmovable at the top of the La Liga table.

This isn’t just any Barca side though; they are a truly special Barcelona side, even the Special One will need time to build a team capable of challenging his former employers. The Real Madrid hierarchy aren’t famous for their patience but if they give Mourinho time he will be successful at the Bernabeu.

Winner

Jose Mourinho may be seen as arrogant or bigheaded by some people but he has the ability to back up his sometimes over-the-top confidence. He can walk the walk as well as talk the talk. He has the medals to prove how astute he is as a coach.

What I like about Mourinho is that it’s never boring with him about. He is always willing to make a controversial quote or funny quip. The British media loved the ex-Chelsea boss because he always gave them something to talk about. The Spanish press now have that pleasure.

Relish

Jose Mourinho will relish the battle of wits with rival boss Pep Guardiola this season. The pair are regarded as two of the top bosses in the world and are competing against each other on all fronts this season.

Mourinho out-thought Guardiola in the Champions League semi-finals last season but in the first Clasico of this season Guardiola and his Barca team came out on top resoundingly with a 5-0 hammering of Mourinho’s Real side.

I’m sure Mourinho is looking forward to the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu. He will be going all out for revenge. You get the impression that Mourinho enjoys the cut and trust of battles with the likes of Guardiola. The rest of the season is sure to be fascinating.

Challenge

After a trophy laden year in 2009 Mourinho now has the challenge of leading his Real Madrid side to glory. At times they have looked impressive but at times they have looked less than brilliant. Mourinho has brought in players and they need time to settle into life and football in the capital. His Real side are very much a work in progress.

The new players will need time to settle into Jose Mourinho’s style of play. Mourinho’s style has proved a success at Porto, Chelsea and Inter and given time I’m sure it will prove successful at Madrid. Whatever happens at Real Madrid, I believe that Mourinho will go down in history as a legendary boss.

Can Mourinho help his Real side overthrow Barca in La Liga this season?