Okay………if you follow football, especially European football, then you must have heard of “The Special One”.
Now, whether that title is ‘self-acclaimed’ or it was given to him by the English media, “The Special One” was indeed special, as at when that tag became synonymous with him and his identity.
By “him”, I mean no other person than the legendary “Jose Mourinho”. This famous football club manager, is a legend in his own right, and features in my “Today I Remember” series.
Born 56 years ago on this day, January 26th, he began his football career as a footballer, but found major fame after hitting the peak of his football career as a young manager.
As of today, Jose Mourinho is considered as one of the greatest managers of all time. He has won several major trophies in his managerial career.
As for me, I think his philosophy, tactics and charisma has made him lots of fans and lots of enemies as well. The truth is, Jose Mourinho is a controversial personality.
But controversial or not, this fascinating tactician and repeated winner, has coached some of the best clubs in European football, and he has never been at a club without winning a title – never ever.
His coaching CV boasts of clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and most recently Manchester United. He was, however, recently sacked by Manchester United some weeks ago.
Despite his controversial nature, he is without a doubt, seen by rival coaches, players, football analysts and commentators, as one of the most successful and most charismatic managers in football history.
Teams he has managed have always boasted of impressive win rates and have won several trophies. I have always followed his career, and I can say that Jose Mourinho has never lacked trophies.
Jose Mourinho is known for his desire for game perfection. He can adapt to any style of play or tactics; and a fusion of his unique management style made him a sort after manager, until recently when his managerial career took a downward spiral.
Throughout his managerial career, he has always focused on his midfield as a crucial prerequisite for winning matches; by so doing he favours playing with more than three central midfielders.
When it comes to success on the pitch, he has that in abundance, but it doesn’t end there, for this Portuguese legend.
Apart from his exploits on the field of play, Mourinho has also been popular and quite infamous for his controversial acts off the field of play, due to his self-confident persona.
Off the pitch, he has been involved in altercations and brawls with several rival managers such as Tito Villanova (former Barca assistant coach, whom he poked in the eye), and even former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, who had to shove him to the ground during a match).
Jose Mourinho is known for his mind-games, which also became a trademark of his, during early points of his career; as he used comments before and after football games to rattle and destabilize opposition players and managers.
A lot can be said of this amazing personality, but what can not be denied him is the fact that he has been one of football’s most iconic and successful managers.
Winning over 25 major trophies and being regarded as the Coach of the Century in 2015 by the Portuguese Football Federation is no mean feat at all.
And today, I say “Salute” to José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix, who has become a year older today.
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