Bleak outlook for boorish Mourinho

[Magic8Ball]

Bleak outlook for boorish Mourinho

 

By Henry Winter

Last Updated: 3:37am BST 03/05/2007

 

 

Acropolis Now for Rafa Benitez. Apocalypse Now for Jose Mourinho? In the rolling movies of their dramatic seasons, Benitez yesterday began preparing for Athens and the European Cup final, while Mourinho contemplated a season ending in a different set of ruins.

 

Bleak outlook for boorish Mourinho

Dejection: Jose Mourinho's career as Chelsea manager has now hit a watershed

 

A Greek test for Liverpool's manager, a Roman examination for Chelsea's. Anyone who has taken any soundings around Abramovich, comes away convinced that the Russian oligarch remains 100 per cent committed to Chelsea but far less so towards Mourinho, regardless of recent boardroom expressions of support.

 

The widespread desire to revel in Mourinho's discomfort, and the intensifying speculation about his future at the Bridge, ignores the immense contribution 'The Artist Who Used To Be Special' has made to Chelsea and English football.

 

Mourinho's man-management, daring use of substitutes, and development of players like Joe Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard must be acknowledged amid all the carousing at Chelsea's expense. Behind all the posturing, the Portuguese remains a charming man. What is also inescapably true is that this brilliant young manager has reached a watershed; if Mourinho continues behaving so boorishly, he risks becoming an outcast.

 

Sir Alex Ferguson tolerated Mourinho's verbal pyrotechnics because he admired the newcomer's nerve, even seeing something of his driven young self in the ambitious Mourinho, but the Manchester United manager clearly now believes the Chelsea coach has crossed the line. The fun has gone out of Mourinho's mind-games. Ridiculing Cristiano Ronaldo for a lack of education showed a lack of class.

 

By nature and nurture a principled person, Mourinho needs to rediscover some class. When he settles down to analyse Tuesday's European Cup defeat chez Benitez, Mourinho should let the tape roll until the grim sight of the penalties has expired and then notice how Terry and Lampard reacted to defeat. They went and embraced their rivals, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. Respect ruled, disappointment was hidden.

 

Two years ago, on the eve of the Istanbul final, Gerrard received a text from Terry, wishing him all the best. When Gerrard turned his phone back on after lifting the trophy, Terry had left him a message, saying how "buzzing'' he was for him. Gerrard has never forgotten. From such generous acts grow real friendships. Apart from that annoying collection of courtier-coaches around him, does Mourinho have any real friends in football?

 

Mourinho's outbursts alienate many, primarily because his words are either so transparently calculated - notably the uncoded messages towards referees - or patently ludicrous. His verdict on Anfield that "the best team lost'' was an insult to the intelligence of his own fans, who are no fools. Dirk Kuyt had more good chances than Chelsea, who relied overly on long balls to Didier Drogba. "We have the world's most expensive squad, and he has us playing like Wimbledon,'' complained one supporter, rather harshly, on Chelsea's official club website.

 

As well as following the sporting example of Terry and Lampard, Mourinho should listen to the exhortations of Michel Platini, the Uefa president who has been urging managers to show restraint.

 

"There is no excuse whatsoever for coaches creating a climate of hatred by making inflammatory statements," argued Platini. "Football is not war, nor is it a battle. It is not a matter of life and death. There is no room for tolerance of such behaviour."

 

The great Frenchman, a figure of real class on and off the pitch he graced so well, emphasised the importance of dignity, of "respecting the principles of the opponent, accepting that losing is part of the game". As Sir Bobby Robson, the wise owl of English football, once famously observed about Arsene Wenger, "he has to learn to lose''.

 

Robson's erstwhile translator should absorb that advice. The toughest competitors like Terry detest defeat but they shake hands, mutter "well done'' through gritted teeth and then promise themselves to win next time. Humility needs to enter Mourinho's formidable lexicon. The Premiership circus needs such characters as Mourinho, and it is to be hoped he sorts out his differences with Abramovich. If Mourinho does stay, he clearly must entice new faces to the Bridge, particularly up front where Drogba needs assistance.

 

Another midfielder is required. Michael Ballack has disappointed so far, while Claude Makelele wins many tackles but Father Time is proving a challenge too far. Equally important is strengthening at centre-half and at right-back (although Glen Johnson returns).

 

Benitez will also be busy in the summer, investing in Liverpool's squad, particularly in attack, while the long-term future looks good with the new stadium planned and Steve Heighway's academy prospects defeating Manchester United to lift the FA Youth Cup. Liverpool's penalty practice has paid off spectacularly.

 

Whatever happens in Athens in their pursuit of a sixth European Cup, next season Liverpool must focus on winning a 19th league title. That requires a depth of squad, a consistency and a touch of United's breathless adventure.

 

For now, though, all Kop minds turn to Greece, following the humbling of Mourinho's side on Tuesday.

 

"Yet Another Amazing Night Out With My Bird" declared one of the Kop banners, resplendent with a Liver bird motif. And a hot date by the Acropolis looming.

 

 

I think this is an excellent article, what stood out for me is how it paints a picture of Jose being bereft of ideas when it comes to playing us. Using the long ball implies he has no idea how to get through our midfield and has resorted to looking for scraps from Drogba flick ons. Given all the talent at his disposal

His growing outburst show either intent to be sacked or his inability to manage the pressure and his frustrations.

 

what ever happens next its clear that Mourinho doesnt have the tactical skills to really be considered " the special one"

 

source

[ManxRed]

Whay has it taken the press three years to catch up with us and realise that he's not a quirky genius who has cleverly taken Chelsea (their favourite club) back to the top, but in fact a deluded mentalist c*nt of the highest proportions?

[John am Rhein]

[Flight]

I think this is an excellent article, what stood out for me is how it paints a picture of Jose being bereft of ideas when it comes to playing us. Using the long ball implies he has no idea how to get through our midfield and has resorted to looking for scraps from Drogba flick ons. Given all the talent at his disposal

His growing outburst show either intent to be sacked or his inability to manage the pressure and his frustrations.

 

what ever happens next its clear that Mourinho doesnt have the tactical skills to really be considered " the special one"

 

source

 

 

Good post and spot on.

 

 

By nature and nurture a principled person, Mourinho needs to rediscover some class. When he settles down to analyse Tuesday's European Cup defeat chez Benitez, Mourinho should let the tape roll until the grim sight of the penalties has expired and then notice how Terry and Lampard reacted to defeat. They went and embraced their rivals, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. Respect ruled, disappointment was hidden.

 

Two years ago, on the eve of the Istanbul final, Gerrard received a text from Terry, wishing him all the best. When Gerrard turned his phone back on after lifting the trophy, Terry had left him a message, saying how "buzzing'' he was for him. Gerrard has never forgotten. From such generous acts grow real friendships. Apart from that annoying collection of courtier-coaches around him, does Mourinho have any real friends in football?

 

 

Read this in a couple of places and they ignore the fact it was Gerrard who went straight to them to commiserate, rather than them going to Stevie.

 

 

It also ignores the fact of the event a few minutes in. Stevie tackled JT and put him on his a***. He helped him up and they shook hands. When Stevie turned his back to him, JT signalled to the ref that Stevie had gone into him with his elbow. I really didn't like the way Stevie turned to their players to wish them all the best before both legs, in the tunnel waiting to go out onto the pitch.

 

Great defender, but like the rest of the Chavs JT has no class under Mourinho.

 

 

As far as Maureen is concerned, ts also widely ignored that they had a series of progressive managers who made huge progress, had class and elft some great players behind. Hoddle, Gullit, Vialli and Ranieiri all moved the club on and up.Ranieiri got them to the CL finals in his last season.

[John am Rhein]

I think Maureenho can reasonably claim to have moved the club up.

[cymrococh]

"Dirk Kuyt had more good chances than Chelsea"

 

great line.

[Guest Anders Honoré]

 

The win at stamford bridge was his Borodino. It's all downhill from there.

[Flight]

I think Maureenho can reasonably claim to have moved the club up.

 

I agree with you, but with the squad he inherited and the money he has had to spend it would be difficult not to.

 

While he has been at it, he has robbed them of any class they ever had and turned them into the biggest bunch of diving, cheating two faced ****s the league has ever seen.

[Lee W]

I hope he gets the sack.

[Runehammer]

While he has been at it, he has robbed them of any class they ever had and turned them into the biggest bunch of diving, cheating two faced ****s the league has ever seen.

 

Yep he's even managed to "outdo" Don Revie's Leeds team of the 60-70's on that front.

[Benitez]

the most telling thing is, and the most problematic for Maurenho, as there is no getting round it - is that he hasn't improved on Ranieri's record with them in Europe.

 

Now, I like Crazy Claudio, but he wasn't the best of coaches. Yet he took 'em to the semi final after just 1 year of Abramovich's millions. And that was before 2 of Ranieri's best signings even joined the club - Cech and Robben.

 

Maurenho has done great, but he's actually regressed that team this year. His best year with chelsea was his first season, with mostly Ranieri's squad, plus £80 million pounds worth of signings of his own. They played some great football then, whatever people said! But he's taken away the free spirit from that team and tried to turn them into a machine. It's only worked so much. And having spent £200 mill on top of that original team he took over, really, it isnt good enough. His record would be more than good enough for others, but not with that money spent. There can be no excuses.

[John am Rhein]

I agree with you, but with the squad he inherited and the money he has had to spend it would be difficult not to.

 

I don't think that's true. Winning the League isn't easy - with ANY amount of money. Winning it two years running is even more of an achievement.

 

While he has been at it, he has robbed them of any class they ever had and turned them into the biggest bunch of diving, cheating two faced ****s the league has ever seen.

 

The're not the biggest cheats the League has ever seen - but they DO cheat in more of an 'unbritish' way. Good for them, TBH.

 

 

Yep he's even managed to "outdo" Don Revie's Leeds team of the 60-70's on that front.

 

Not even close. And there's a few more as well. The Spurs team of the early 80s was the biggest 'cheating' team, I've ever seen. And let's talk about Wimbledon, Sheffield United and various other football/wrestling teams of the late 80s/early 90s.

[Magic8Ball]

the most telling thing is, and the most problematic for Maurenho, as there is no getting round it - is that he hasn't improved on Ranieri's record with them in Europe.

 

Now, I like Crazy Claudio, but he wasn't the best of coaches. Yet he took 'em to the semi final after just 1 year of Abramovich's millions. And that was before 2 of Ranieri's best signings even joined the club - Cech and Robben.

 

Maurenho has done great, but he's actually regressed that team this year. His best year with chelsea was his first season, with mostly Ranieri's squad, plus £80 million pounds worth of signings of his own. They played some great football then, whatever people said! But he's taken away the free spirit from that team and tried to turn them into a machine. It's only worked so much. And having spent £200 mill on top of that original team he took over, really, it isnt good enough. His record would be more than good enough for others, but not with that money spent. There can be no excuses.

 

Then there's the Drogba problem - previously played as a lone striker Drogba did ok, but not brilliantly now in a 442 Drogba is playing really well. but the team shape seems ( in general ) to lack width.

With all those funds available I would have expected a more balanced team, maybe getting Ballack wasn't such a good idea ?

same could be said of Shevchenko

[The Hitman]

I thought his comment about Ronaldo showed him up to be a complete and utter c***.

This from the man who talked about his respect for Shankly.Shanks would've been disgusted by that comment.

[Ostrich Man]

I thought his comment about Ronaldo showed him up to be a complete and utter c***.

wasnt the best comment hes ever made....no doubt all the chelsea boys have education qualifications dripping from them.

[Gilps]

wasnt the best comment hes ever made....no doubt all the chelsea boys have education qualifications dripping from them.

 

The famously gifted Wayne Bridge in particular. He's got a double 1st from Oxford, you know.

[smithdown]

Think his sulking after the game on Tuesday seems to be a watershed moment for the press. Every paper is going after him today and that must be on kenyon and co's say-so.

 

He's off-ski.

[John am Rhein]

I thought his comment about Ronaldo showed him up to be a complete and utter c***.

This from the man who talked about his respect for Shankly.Shanks would've been disgusted by that comment.

 

What did he say about Ronaldo that was so bad?

 

I reckon Shankly would have held Ronaldo in the deepest of contempt, especially given Shankly played wing-half and his role model was Tom Finney.

[Guest Anders Honoré]

What did he say about Ronaldo that was so bad?

 

I reckon Shankly would have held Ronaldo in the deepest of contempt, especially given Shankly played wing-half and his role model was Tom Finney.

 

Mourinho started out critisising referees by saying:

 

“We are fighting for the Premiership even against new football rules,” the manager said. “One rule is that penalties are not allowed against Manchester United and the other is that Chelsea don’t get penalties. With these new football rules, we are doing well and if someone punishes me for speaking the truth, it is the end of democracy.”

 

“I’m just speaking about facts,” he said, “not conspiracy, so nobody can punish me. It looks as if it’s forbidden to give a penalty against United or in our favour. If anyone tells me it wasn’t a penalty for Sheffield, a penalty for Middlesbrough or one for us against Newcastle, I will go to my optician.”

 

Ronaldo then retorted;

 

“I really don’t want to be dragged into Mourinho’s complaints over referees - everybody knows how he is. He always has to say something because he can’t admit his failures.”

 

Which was fresh bait for Jose:

 

“Ronaldo is a great player, perhaps the best in the world. But he needs to be mature enough to accept you cannot argue against facts. And if you lie then you may never reach the level which he aspires to as a footballer.”

 

The Quieroz wanted in on the action:

 

“Mourinho has his own style, he always tries to divert everyone’s attention to the points which are convenient for him.

 

“These are his tactics and that’s the way he is. However we [at United] are different because when we can’t win we at least have the humility to recognise the other’s merits and we learn from our opponents’ strengths.”

 

and Mourinho had another swipe at Ronaldo:

 

“It’s a game where a kid had some statements not very…not showing maturity and respect, maybe difficult childhood, no education, maybe the consequence of that,” he said in the Daily Mail.

 

“Sir Alex felt he had to protect this boy. But normal things…I have no problems with him (Ferguson). I have no problem with the boy.”

 

Which provoked Ferguson's recent outburst.

Edited May 3, 2007 by Anders Honoré

[CarraLegend]

Cant wait till the t*** f***s off "A breath of fresh air" "He's just taking the pressure off his team"

 

Yeah, right. He's just an utter t***.

[Falconhoof]

Its interesting that Mourinho brings up Ronaldo's background. I wonder if its true that Mourinho's family were supporters of the fascist leader António Salazar. He certainly has fascistic tendencies.

[Lee W]

Cant wait till the t*** f***s off "A breath of fresh air" "He's just taking the pressure off his team"

 

Yeah, right. He's just an utter t***.

 

He's made the whole club even more contemptable than it was before he joined.

 

That is some achievement.

[John am Rhein]

?It?s a game where a kid had some statements not very?not showing maturity and respect, maybe difficult childhood, no education, maybe the consequence of that,? he said in the Daily Mail.

 

?Sir Alex felt he had to protect this boy. But normal things?I have no problems with him (Ferguson). I have no problem with the boy.?

 

If Mourinho knows a bit about Ronaldo's background and thought that was a good way of winding him up then well done Mourinho.

 

That rapist ponce c*nt Ronaldo deserves all the stick he ever gets and more. He needs a couple of broken legs as well.

 

Its interesting that Mourinho brings up Ronaldo's background. I wonder if its true that Mourinho's family were supporters of the fascist leader António Salazar. He certainly has fascistic tendencies.

 

Interesting idea...he'll fit in at Real Madrid!

[Gilps]

Its interesting that Mourinho brings up Ronaldo's background. I wonder if its true that Mourinho's family were supporters of the fascist leader António Salazar. He certainly has fascistic tendencies.

 

There's certainly been enough whispers about his political leanings being towards the extreme right.

[Ostrich Man]

I reckon Shankly would have held Ronaldo in the deepest of contempt, especially given Shankly played wing-half and his role model was Tom Finney.

he may have held him in contempt...but he wouldnt have made comments about difficult childhoods or lack of education....unless he played for everton of course.