Whenever Jose Mourinho speaks – the football world listens. He simply is one of its best tacticians and motivators and will be regarded as one of its best coaches when his career is over. What he has achieved already puts him in the pantheon of all-time greats. Two European Cups (Champions League) with Porto and Inter. League titles with Porto, Chelsea and Inter. He is unique because he not only wins silverware in one league – he crosses over to different leagues and keeps winning. How many great managers have done that?
RETURN OF THE SPECIAL ONE
Mourinho was speaking at a gala event in London about his plans for next season and it sounds very much like he is planning a return to the English Premier League – obviously with one of the Big Six clubs. Mourinho was quoted saying that he has «unfinished business» in the EPL – alluding to the unceremonious way he was booted out of Chelsea by owner Roman Abramovich. He spoke about his passion for the English game, its fans and its atmospheric charm.
WHERE HE WILL LAND
When Jose Mourinho declares him on the market – he commands the attention of every elite club in Europe. In this case – only the EPL Big Six need apply. Its interesting to see in summer where he will land. There are really only three teams in the Big Six that Mourinho will realistically surface in. Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal are not in the hunt for a new manager. They have their own iconic bosses in places. Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham are the only clubs in this conversation. Man City would love to have someone with Mourinho’s prestige, presence and tactical cache managing their team of stars. Roberto Mancini has had a difficult season but has performed admirably well considering the pressure he’s under. I put them as the favorites to land Mourinho. Chelsea may want Mourinho back but its like a break up we’ve all had. Do we really want to revisit all that emotional baggage and can bygones be bygones? Its tough. But its a business and its Abramovich’s call to make. He has Mourinho’s number. Tottenham are the outsiders here. They are happy with what Harry Redknapp’s work so far. But if England let Fabio Capello go – it will set about a chain of events that could eventually suck Redknapp out of Tottenham. He is the overwhelming favorite to land the England manager job. If that happens, then Tottenham will step up their chase for Mourinho.
THE LAST WORD
I think Mourinho will choose carefully the club where he will enjoy relatively unfettered authority over his roster as well as transfer decisions. He has been unhappy at Real Madrid because they have a decision making structure that does not feature Mourinho as commander-in-chief as far as transfer decisions go. He also will command a hefty price. Those two factors put Man City in pole-position because they have both the financial resources as well as the need for a football czar and manager. Mourinho would relish both positions and he will do amazing work if given those twin roles. I don’t think Tottenham can afford Mourinho but they have to ask themselves if they can afford NOT to have someone as gifted as Mourinho. Managers like him do not become available every year. They have to chase him despite Redknapp’s stellar work. He is a definite upgrade. As for Chelsea – its the classic kiss-and-make-up scenario.