I know we've got the World Cup just around the corner, but who is now dying for the new Liga season to fire up? Jose Mourinho is all set to take over the hotseat at Real Madrid with a juicy three year contract on the table allowing the 'special one' to rake in a cool €10million a year. Never a man to pussyfoot around an issue, 'Mou' (as he is affectionately known in these parts) confirmed his departure from Italy with a parting shot at the treatment received during his two year tenure in Milan. 'I'm leaving Inter. I'm fed up of Italy'. And what a way to go, sealing Inter Milans first European Cup/Champions League since 1965 when they sneaked past Benfica 1-0 at the San Siro, thanks to two goals from ex-Real Zaragoza man Diego Milito.How apt that he should do so in the Santiago Bernabeu. By all accounts Mourinho just needs to be convinced about the project on offer under Florentino Perez but if he likes what he sees, it's a done deal. Can you imagine the fireworks next season? Mourinhos Madrid v Guardiolas Barca. A journalists dream. Although it will only serve to widen an already gaping gap between the big two and the rest. But why should Real Madrid care about that? Mourinho will offer the club exactly what they lacked. A focus point or shield for the players from the press. The Portuguese coach is a master in the art of creating controversy to lift any pressure off his team. Who was talking about Diego Milito, Eto'o or Sneijder before tonights final? No-one. We were all talking about José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho.
I listened to Mourinho talk and he said the right things, it's not the shirt or money that wins titles but the mentality of the team.
ReplyDeleteOne thing though, correct me if I am wrong but Pellegrini still hasn't been sacked. I think Real have handled this whole affair poorly and I feel a wee bit sorry for Pellegrini as he has been shown no respect whatsoever.
Really really poor show on their part. Some comment from Butregueño talking about Pellegrini in the past tense even though he's still there. Wierd isnt it, he's still the manager..... but he's not. Apparently Chile want him for the national team.
ReplyDeleteExactly. What Mourinho said was an epitaph for Real Madrids season.
I really wish Jose could stay at Inter and keep Italian football high in the UEFA co-efficient by possibly repeating the Champions League. But I guess he wants to go to Real Madrid to win the Champions League twice in a row.
ReplyDeleteSoccerPower: I know Mourinho is constantly complaining about how Italy treats him so badly. What exactly have they done to him over there?
ReplyDeleteWill be a huge loss for Italian football. Their loss, our gain.
I think long term Mourinho is looking for the Man Utd job. He has a good relationship with Fergie and he likes English football and the English media.
ReplyDeleteIt would be ironic if he did well at Real and then walked out on them for Man Utd. I am sure it would allow Fergie to go out with a smile.
Steve: The Italian media take everything very literally, so when an arrogant fellow like Mourinho comes in and takes media attention off his team by saying controversial and sometimes ridiculous things, the media gets confuzzled and unhappy.
ReplyDeleteHe's also got into his fair share of verbal fights with Italian pundits and ex-players, and has even picked fights with journalists who bother him too much, or try to get on the Inter bus.
Overall, it's just a hate hate relationship, Mourinho hates the media because he can't manipulate them as much, and they don't adore him like the English media. The media hates Mourinho because he is arrogant, controversial, and many other reasons.