Is Jose Mourinho really the special one?

Is Jose Mourinho really the special one?

José Mourinho is renowned for his extreme arrogance and unwavering confidence, which has enabled him to become one of the most successful football managers in the world. He is a master of harnessing arrogance and using it to his advantage. Arrogance can be a powerful tool in the pursuit of success. It can provide inner strength, inspire followers and give one an edge over the competition. When used properly, it can lead to great accomplishments. 

José Mourinho has achieved great success throughout his career. He rose to prominence with FC Porto’s victories in the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 Champions League and has continued to be one of the most influential figures in world football ever since. He managed big clubs like Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Tottenham and is now plying his trade with Rome in Italy. But why is the Portuguese manager called ‘The Special One’? Let’s have a look at it. 

Why is Jose Mourinho called ‘The Special One’? 

José Mourinho’s iconic nickname, “The Special One,” dates back to his arrival at Chelsea in 2004. During his first press conference, he declared that he considered himself a “special one,” and the name has stayed with him ever since. “Please don’t call me arrogant, but I’m a European champion and I think I’m a special one,” the great Jose Mourinho said. Before his time at Chelsea, José Mourinho was not as widely known in the football community despite his impressive accomplishments with FC Porto, including a Champions League title in 2003-04. After this success, his star began to rise, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after managers in the world. 

In Spagna con i top: Mourinho non fa calcoli

Creator: Luciano Rossi | Credit: AS Roma via Getty Images Copyright: 2023 Luciano Rossi

José Mourinho has earned his famous moniker, “The Special One,” through a combination of his tactical acumen and excellent managerial skills. He boldly proclaimed himself as such in his first press conference with Chelsea, creating a buzz in the media ahead of his first season in the Premier League. José Mourinho’s nickname, “The Special One,” has become even more valid during his time as manager of Chelsea, where he became the most successful coach in the club’s history. His tactical genius and managerial skills helped him reach new heights and truly live up to his arrogance. 

José Mourinho achieved remarkable success in his first two seasons as manager of Chelsea, winning back-to-back Premier League titles and setting the record for most points in a Premier League-winning campaign (95). He displayed incredible talent as a tactician and manager, cementing his status as “The Special One.” Since his first spell at Chelsea, José Mourinho’s success in the Premier League has been mixed. His second stint with the Blues was not able to match the heights of his initial tenure, and his spell at Manchester United encountered several difficulties. Jose Mourinho was also sacked from his job at Tottenham after he failed to achieve the club’s set expectations. 

Is Jose Mourinho the special one? 

Very often there comes a character who changes the whole meaning of the game. Jose Mourinho can be considered one such game-changer. From giving Chelsea a name in world football to getting the better of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, Jose Mourinho did it all. He even went on to win a treble with Inter Milan. Adding to that, Manchester United won their last trophy under the management of Jose Mourinho, which was back in 2017. Jose Mourinho came to Roma and helped them secure UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. 

José Mourinho has solidified his status as one of the greatest football managers of all time. He is just the second manager to win five major European titles, joining Giovanni Trapattoni in achieving this feat. Among his honors are two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Cup/Europa League titles, and the recently won UEFA Europa Conference League. 

Jose Mourinho signs the same Premier League star for a third time

Creator: Alex Morton | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2017 Getty Images

Jose Mourinho’s takeover of La Liga from Pep Guardiola is one of the solid reasons why he should be considered the “Special One”. José Mourinho had a successful three-year tenure at Real Madrid, winning the Copa del Rey in 2011, La Liga in 2012, and Supercopa de España in 2012. During that time, he also set a new club record of 32 consecutive match unbeaten streak in the 2011 – 2012 season. 

In 2019, Jose Mourinho voiced his displeasure about the fact that people questioned his coaching abilities in England, and thus why he adopted the title of ‘The Special One’. 

“When I gave my first press conference I was asked if I was ready for the Premier League,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “I thought: ‘What? I just won the Champions League and you are thinking that I am nobody?’ “So, I went a little bit aggressive by saying I am not one from the bottle, I am a special one. But then, bang, it stayed. No problem.” 

In October 2015, Jurgen Klopp was asked if he would follow in Jose Mourinho’s footsteps and call himself the ‘Special One’ when he joined Liverpool as manager, reigniting the attention around this title. In contrast, Jurgen Klopp referred to himself as the “normal one” instead of the “Special One”. 

Jose Mourinho has taken back his claim 

However, in 2022 Jose Mourinho admitted that his reputably renowned label of “The Special One” no longer applies, referring to it as an “old story”. When questioned concerning his potential to forge another noteworthy performance before the Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana, Jose Mourinho responded that the “Special One” narrative was now a thing of the past. 

‘When you have more maturity and stability, you think much more about the people and less about yourself. ‘I can just do what every coach can do and try to help the team. ‘I don’t believe in magical moments. This is not the moment of one individual, it is the team, the players, and the staff. ‘Does each new achievement mean more than the previous one? It does. But there is nothing special to be done, just be us.’ 

In his 23rd season as a manager, Jose Mourinho is still unsure of when he will be retiring due to a piece of advice given to him by Manchester United’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. In March 2013, during his time as Real Madrid boss, Mourinho was summoned to Ferguson’s office at Old Trafford before a Champions League encounter and forewarned of what was to come.

‘It was Manchester United vs Real Madrid. Before the game, Sir Alex Ferguson invited me to his office,’ he said. 

‘I asked him, ”What is it like, boss? Does it change? Does it change over the years?”. He said, ”Forget about it. Nothing changes. It is the same up until the very last day”. 

‘That is why I keep saying I cannot believe I am 59 years old. I cannot believe I have a 22-year career as a head coach. I cannot tell you when I am going to stop because I cannot visualize it. ‘The passion doesn’t change.’ 

List of trophies won by Jose Mourinho in every club he managed

Trophies won with Porto 

  1. Primeira Liga 2002-03
  2. Taca de Portugal 2002-03
  3. Supertaca Candido de Oliveira 2003
  4. UEFA Cup 2002-03
  5. Primeira Liga 2003-04
  6. UEFA Champions League 2003-04

Trophies won with Chelsea 

  1. Carabao Cup 2004-05 
  2. Premier League 2004-05 
  3. FA Community Shield 2005 
  4. Premier League 2005-06 
  5. Carabao Cup 2006-07 
  6. FA Cup 2006-07 
  7. Carabao Cup 2014-15 
  8. Premier League 2014-15 

Trophies won with Inter Milan 

  1. Supercoppa Italiana 2008 
  2. Serie A 2008-09 
  3. Coppa Italia 2009-10 
  4. Serie A 2009-10 
  5. UEFA Champions League 2009-10 

Trophies won with Real Madrid 

  1. Copa del Rey 2010-11 
  2. La Liga 2011-12 
  3. Supercopa de Espana 2012 

Trophies won with Manchester United

  1. FA Community Shield 2016 
  2. Carabao Cup 2016-17 
  3. UEFA Europa League 2016-17

Trophies won with AS Roma 

  1. UEFA Conference League 2022
Arsenal crashes out of Europa League; knocked out by Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal crashes out of Europa League; knocked out by Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal are out of the race for Europa League. The Premier League leaders were knocked out by Sporting Lisbon FC in penalties after the second leg was drawn 1-1.

Having already drawn the first leg 2-2 in Portugal, the Gunners fielded a strong XI that made an impact instantly. Granit Xhaka, the skipper of Arsenal, gave the home team the lead in the 19th minute at Emirates Stadium. For Sporting, Pedro Goncalves scored a stunning goal to level the scoreline. Goncalves’s audacious goal was reminiscent of David Beckham’s long-range chip for Manchester United against Wimbledon that launched him to superstardom in 1996.

Both the teams tried their level best to get the upper hand. But the game was forced to penalties. In penalties, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard got their names on the scoresheet. While Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty shoot was saved by Lisbon’s goalkeeper Antonio Adan. For Lisbon, all their players were successful in penalties. Hence, ensuring their team’s successful path to the quarterfinals of the Europa League.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was disappointed with the team’s performance yesterday. He said, “A huge blow obviously. There were moments in the first 75 minutes where we weren’t at our level. We gave every ball away and we didn’t have the capacity to take the game. Arteta further added, “We had big chances to finish the game. We have to look at ourselves and why we were not good enough to go through.”

Arsenal hasn’t won a European trophy since lifting the Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1994 and their wait will go on for another year. But the Gunners would gladly swap Europa League success for a long-awaited Premier League title.

Manchester United

Liverpool hand Manchester United their biggest defeat in Premier League history

Manchester United has been handed a shock defeat. After winning the Carabao Cup and knocking Barcelona out of the Europa League, the Red Devils have suffered their biggest defeat in the Premier League. Erik Ten Hag’s men suffered a 7-0 loss against Liverpool in a Premier League fixture on Sunday.

The match started on a positive note, with both the clubs making aggressive runs at the opposition’s goal. However, it was Liverpool who landed the first blow with Cody Gakpo’s stunning curling kick within a few minutes of the half-time whistle.

The scoreline was 1-0 at the end of the first half. As soon as the second half started, all hell broke loose for the Red Devils. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez made a tap in not allowing Manchester United to settle. Minutes later, Cody Gakpo scored his second goal to give a comfortable 3-0 lead for The Reds.

Making matters worse for the Old Trafford-based club, Mohammad Salah, who had a pretty average season in terms of goals, scored two quick goals to take the scoreline to 6-0. Roberto Firmino, who came as a substitute, put his name on the scoresheet to make it 7-0, handing Manchester United their biggest defeat in Premier League history. The shock Liverpool loss at Anfield was their worst result in 92 years.

Erik Ten Hag was furious with the team’s performance against Liverpool. “It’s unprofessional,” ten Hag said. He further added, “As a team, you have to stick together. And that is what we didn’t do. And that was a surprise for me. I haven’t seen this from my team. I don’t think it’s Manchester United. So it’s really bad and poor.”

Manchester United

Manchester United wins Carabao Cup; win a trophy after 6 long years

The new era has begun. Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United has finally landed its hands on a trophy after six long years. The Red Devils defeated Newcastle United 2-0 to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Manchester United started the match with some excellent gameplay. The team relentlessly attacked to put Newcastle United on the back foot. Soon after, Casemiro scored the opener for Erik ten Hag’s side at Wembley to give them the lead.

The club widened their lead as a Marcus Rashford shot was deflected by Sven Botman in his own goal to make matters worse for the Magpies.

With this win, the Premier League club won its first piece of silverware since they won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

Erik Ten Hag, who has been brilliant at the club, said in the post-match interview, “Yet again this evening, they had the right spirit. It’s a very good spirit, they act as a team and fight, give everything.” He further added, “It was not always the best football, but it was effective. Firstly, you have to win the first one [trophy]. We will get a lot of inspiration from this, but also more confidence that we can do it.”

Manchester United, under Erik Ten Hag, is playing exceptionally and is on the lookout to win more trophies. The club is in contention for the FA Cup and Europa League and still has an outside shot of winning the Premier League.

Manchester United

Man United knocks Barcelona out of the Europa League

Manchester United did the unthinkable. The Red Devils have knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League. After the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, the Premier League club came from behind to score two goals to take the side to the next round of the Europa League.

Both sides played aggressively in the early minutes of play to get one in the opposition’s net. And maybe this approach cost them a penalty in the 18th minute after Bruno Fernandes performed a rash challenge on Alejandro Balde. Robert Lewandowski, who was as cool as a cucumber, converted the penalty into a goal and gave the Blaugrana the lead.

But Fred equalized early in the second half before substitute Antony completed the turnaround for Manchester United 17 minutes from full time.

Erik Ten Hag called this one of the best wins of his managerial career. In a post-match interview, he said, “It was a magnificent night. I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona – eight points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga – and we have seen this week Real Madrid playing [in their 5-2 win [over Liverpool]. We did a magnificent performance.”

The victory marks Manchester United’s first win over Barcelona since the narrow 1-0 win in the Champions League semi-final second leg in April 2008.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag was seen having dinner with United icon Ferguson at an Italian restaurant in Cheshire.

Erik Ten Hag spotted having dinner with Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United’s current manager Erik Ten Hag is having a dream run. After having a successful run with the club, taking them from being mere competitors to a title contender, the manager was spotted having dinner with Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Erik Ten Hag was seen having dinner with United icon Ferguson at an Italian restaurant in Cheshire.

Manchester United under Ten Hag is a different team. The club is currently in third position in the Premier League and has a real shot at winning the title too. Also, the Red Devils have reached the final of the Carabao Cup, where they’ll face Newcastle United at Wembley.

Alex Ferguson has won Premier League Manager of the Season on 11 occasions, as well as picking up the monthly accolade 27 times and numerous other individual awards, such as LMA Manager of the Year and LMA Manager of the Decade. His all-time Premier League record stands at 528 wins from 810 matches. He is the most successful manager in British football history, winning 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United.

Manchester United fans will be extremely happy with this news and hoping that Sir Alex Ferguson might have given a secret tip or two to the current United manager.

Jim Ratcliffe officially enters the bidding process for Man United- God of Sports

Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS enters the bidding process for Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, a pharmaceutical firm, has formally entered into the sales process of Premier League club Manchester United. Jim Ratcliffe’s spokesperson confirmed the news and said, “I can confirm that we have formally put ourselves into the process.”

In November, United’s US owners, the Glazer family, said they had begun looking at options for the 20-time English champion, including new investment or a potential club sale. The English club is currently valued at $4.6 billion.

The Glazer family has owned Manchester United since 2005 when late patriarch Malcolm Glazer completed a highly controversial buyout that plunged the club into debt for the first time in more than 70 years.  Their business model saw significant funds taken out of the club as dividends. Despite the losses, no dividends were paid in December 2022 for the first time in six years.

This is not the only time Manchester United has been linked with a new owner. Earlier, India’s billionaire Mukesh Ambani was also reported to be having a significant interest in buying the English club from the Glazers family.

The Old Trafford-located club is currently fourth on the Premier League table with 38 points from 18 games. The club next faces table toppers Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Saudi club Al-Nassr finally signs Ronaldo on a free transfer

After much speculation, Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has finally confirmed his next destination. The former Manchester United star has been signed by Saudi club Al- Nassr on a two-year deal worth over €200 million. The contract will see CR7 play in the Saudi Pro League till 2025.

Al-Nassr announced the signing via Twitter. The club tweeted, ” History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home @AlNassrFC.”

After the announcement was made public, Cristiano was quoted as saying, “I can’t wait to discover a new football league in a different country.” He further added, “The vision with which Al Nassr operates is very inspiring, and I am delighted to join my teammates so that together we can help the team achieve greater success.”

Ronaldo heads to the Gulf after a year that saw him relegated to the bench for Portugal and cut adrift by Manchester United. The club parted ways with the Portuguese star after the veteran forward gave an explosive TV interview in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s move is being criticised by a lot of his fans. In a time when his long-time competitor Lionel Messi is scaling new heights, Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr is seen as an end to his numero uno status.

Cody Gakpo signs for Liverpool

Liverpool beat Man United to get Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven

In a dramatic turn of events, Liverpool has signed Netherlands winger Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. The player, a key target for Manchester United, has been signed for a record transfer fee.

As per ESPN, the fee of the deal is around £37 million plus add-ons, up to £50m potential package. The sides are close to finalising his arrival in the January transfer window. PSV did not disclose the deal’s value, but general manager Marcel Brands said it would be a “record transfer” for the club.

The Dutch club said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently, where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the transfer completion.”

The signing will be great for Liverpool since Luis Diaz is facing a severe injury after aggravating a knee injury during a midseason training break in Dubai. Also, their star signing, Darwin Nunez, is going through a rough patch.

Cody Gakpo has been a key player for PSV Eindhoven. The star has scored 36 goals in just 106 appearances for the Dutch club. Also, the winger impressed during the recently concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring 3 goals in 5 games.

Liverpool has had a torrid time, with the team currently in 6th position in the English Premier League. With the latest acquisition, the team might see a great improvement in performance.

Manchester United

Man United advance to quarterfinals of EFL Cup after thrashing Burnley

Club football is back!! After a satisfying end to the World Cup, club football in England is back. Manchester United and Burnley locked horns in EFL Cup yesterday, with the English club thrashing Burnley to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The match began with Eriksen getting on the scoresheet in the 27th minute before Rashford doubled the advantage in the second half of United’s first game since the World Cup. Manchester United could have doubled the lead when Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell saved Anthony Martial’s shot. Burnley got a chance to equalise, but Marcus Rashford stepped in and made it 2-0 with his individual effort.

Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, praised Marcus Rashford for his incredible performance. He said, “I think he’s on a very good level. His performances are improving a lot, I would say, from game to game. He’s a continued threat today but also many other games in this season, he’s scored already a lot of goals. Also, there’s a lot of defending work, don’t forget that. So I’m really happy with his performances and I hope but I expect him to keep going in this attitude and in this performance level.”

In other news, Nottingham Forest also reached the quarterfinals after a 4-1 win over second-division Blackburn. Elsewhere, third-tier Charlton caused an upset as they defeated Premier League club, Brighton.

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