Originally posted by Dreath
Sad case for English football that the title race is over in January.
Reminds me of the past 2 seasons when Porto was already the likely champion by this time of the year. People used to say our league wasn't competitive. Eh, now you see why.
Originally posted by mhflierman
If I may open the discussion on Mourinho again, I'd like to say that some of the portugese guys who post here are taking it a little bit too far with their admiration for Mourinho. Yes, he's a great manager, but to devalue a manager like Wenger (who had his team playing the best football since Ajax in the mid-nintees, went unbeaten last season and was on relatively tight budget) like some of you did is just pathetic imo. And that list of players some of you mentioned, whom Mourniho made into world class players I'd like to evaluate as well.
But Mourinho is a great manager, no doubt about it. It's just too bad he isn't that much of an admirable personality.
Maarten, I almost agree 100% with you. Here's where we differ: Mourinho has a great personality too, but it is hard to look beyond his 'media ultra-confident persona'. With time you'll all realize it.
Just yesterday a portuguese channel aired an interview with the man in London, in his house and in Stamford Bridge, and I'm sorry you guys haven't seen it. Here's a special bit for you all (not sure if you've heard about it before): Mourinho has a room in Chelsea's home ground that he only uses 30 minutes before and after the game, to discuss the matters of the match with the opposing manager. Just a honest chat (stuff like 'you almost facked me when you made that substitution'), drink a few beers (he doesn't drink alcohol, though), etc.
Right now, Mourinho
seems to be changing football. We don't know yet how great he is. A few years from now we'll know. I tell you one thing, though: if he happens to die right now - and I so very much hope he doesn't - he'd instantly be the greatest coach ever.
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Wenger is a remarkable coach at all levels and Arsenal has played some of the most beautiful football I've ever seen! You HAVE to respect the man. A true Porto fan has to be a big Mourinho fan - and I am, but I also know Wenger and Ferguson will be back knocking harder than ever!