The beginning – FC Porto
Jose Mourinho began to make a name for himself by winning the Champions League with European underdogs FC Porto. His method of recruitment was to not bring in proven players and focus more on developing players from smaller domestic clubs who were yet to acquire the taste of victory.
José Mourinho explaining how he recruited the players to assemble his Porto team, that would eventually win the Champions League.pic.twitter.com/VDEoYhEZrv
— IM🇵🇹 (@Iconic_Mourinho) November 5, 2022
Premier League bound
His dominance in Portugal saw him make a move to Premier League side Chelsea in June of 2004. In his first press conference, Mourinho announced himself to the world as ‘the special one.’
José’s recruitment culture remained unchanged. He brought in many key signings such as Cech, Carvalho, Robben and Drogba. At the time, these players were yet to make a name for themselves. And adding them to the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard was a recipe destined for success.
The iconic 2004/5 season saw Chelsea win their first league title in 50 years whilst impressively only conceding a grand total of 15 goals. After having arguably the best season in Premier League history, it became difficult to call him out for his arrogance.
José would end his spell at Chelsea with back to back Premier League titles at Chelsea under his belt.
Jose iconic 2009/10 season
After such success he decided to make the move to Italian giants Inter Milan.
His time in Milan can be best defined by the 2009/10 season. This season José would showcase his domestic dominance by winning his second Serie A title with the club, as well as the Coppa Italia. José completed the treble by conquering Europe for the second time.
Mourinho’s Madridstas
Jose Mourinho would then make move to La Liga to coach European powerhouse, Real Madrid. This move would see the special one go head to head with Pep Guardiola, intensifying the rivalry between the two coaches and their respective clubs.
In the 2011/12 season José assembled his most fearsome side with world beaters such as Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo at his disposal. Despite José being unsuccessful in Europe, he would go on to set many La Liga records.
His Madrid side managed to accumulate 100 points whilst scoring a total of 121 league goals in the process. Mourinho’s Madrid side is widely regarded as the greatest side to never win the UEFA Champions League.
More career accolades
Mourinho has coached at many other clubs in his latter years. This includes a return to his beloved Chelsea where he would win yet another Premier League title. José also moved to the red side of Manchester where he won a UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup which are (at this point in time) the last trophies Manchester United have managed to win.
No one has ever, and will ever have the streets like José did.
Although the latter years of his career may not be as impressive as his earlier days, he is still undeniably the special one.
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