Yesterday I wrote about one of the great managers of recent years Sir Bobby Robson. Robson is passionate about football and has a great record as a manager. He has, on the whole, also been a manager who is in no way controversial.
Passionate
Another manager who is probably one of the greats in recent years and is passionate about football is Jose Mourinho. He has a fine record as a manager but that is where the similarities end. Nobody can accuse Mourinho of not being controversial!
The self appointed ‘special one’ has been at it again. As well as suggesting that he would be interested in succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United, he has also had a less than subtle swipe at his old club Chelsea.
Talking to the Daily Mirror newspaper Mourinho seemed excited by the prospect of taking the Old Trafford hot seat.
“I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course. I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere.”
Sir Alex has said that he intends to retire before 2012 but in reality, the sixty-seven year old is showing few signs of winding down. His recent outbursts about Manchester City show that he has lost none of his desire, passion and love of a battle. He has been there for twenty-three years and I wouldn’t bet against him being there for a few more yet.
Gap
Of course, Mourinho has a point when he asks if Manchester United would want him. I think the answer could be yes because there are few managers around who would have little difficulty in filling the rather large gap that will be left by Fergie’s eventual departure.
In relation to his departure from Chelsea and his subsequent success at Inter, Mourinho took every opportunity to gloat,
“I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce. It was difficult for me because we loved each other but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone. Since I left I became a champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep on winning and they don’t.”
Mourinho left England two years ago when he resigned as boss of Chelsea and he returned to football last season as he guided Inter Milan to the Serie A title. It has clearly not escaped his notice that when he left Stamford Bridge, they stopped winning titles.
Respect
Many people have a dislike for Jose Mourinho but his record deserves the utmost respect even if it is given grudgingly.
After just nine games in charge at Benfica and a presidential change that led to his departure, Mourinho took over at Uniao de Leiria, who he took to their highest ever finish of fifth place in his one and only season. He moved on to Porto where in his first full season in charge he won the Portuguese league, the Portuguese Cup and the UEFA Cup.
His second season saw another Portuguese league title and a runners-up medal in the Portuguese Cup. All of that was put into perspective however with an unlikely and remarkable triumph in the Champions League.
Premier
Mourinho moved on to Chelsea. In his first season they won the Carling Cup and the Premier League title. In his second season they won the Premier League title again and his third and last saw wins in the FA Cup and Carling Cup.
After a year out of the game following his departure from Stamford Bridge Mourinho took over at Inter and in his first season, won the Italian Supercup and the Serie A title.
Whichever way you look at it and whatever you think of the ‘special one’ that is a truly remarkable record. He has had seven full seasons as a manager and won eleven major honours. The only season he didn’t win anything was his first ever when he took an unfashionable club to their best ever finish.
So, do Chelsea regret losing him? Are Inter pleased they have got him? Would Manchester United want him?
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