José Mourinho: The myth is crumbling

After David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, Mourinho, the third successor, also failed due to the difficult legacy of team manager icon Sir Alex Ferguson. After the 1-3 defeat at arch-rivals FC Liverpool on Sunday, those responsible for the “Red Devils” had no other choice than to relieve the Portuguese of his duties. 19 points behind the top of the Premier League table after 17 games was simply too much.

But this was a development that had been in the offing for months. The 55-year-old's playing style in particular has been criticized for a long time. Especially with a view to the celebrated fast-paced football of Manchester City or Liverpool, Manchester United fans have longed for their own Klopp or Guardiola for a long time.

Lean football food for the fans Criticism of the quality of the United squad is certainly permissible with regard to the defense, but the Red Devils are still well equipped offensively with Lukaku, Lingaard, Mata, Rashford, Sanchez and Martial. A much bigger problem than the lack of reinforcements in the summer (Mourinho criticized the club's management because of this) was caused by “The Special One” himself. Through feuds with players such as world champion Pogba, and the stoic insistence on his philosophy of dry, results-based football.

For Mourinho, the only thing that counts is winning, the how is secondary. “There are many poets in football, but they don’t win titles,” Mourinho said maliciously after United’s victory in the Europa League final over Ajax Amsterdam in 2017, when United offered over 90 minutes of meager football fare but still comfortably won 2-0 . Mourinho won the Europa League with Manchester United in 2017. © APA/afp / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND

The successes in 2017 and June 2018 (Europa League victory, League Cup victory, runner-up) proved him right at the time, but they failed to materialize in the current season - and not just because of the quality of the squad. United fans' longing for attractive football remained largely unsatisfied under Mourinho. Especially when the frenetic supporters, in contrast, had to turn their attention to the hated local rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. His collection of titles speaks for itself Mourinho is without a doubt one of the most successful club coaches in the world. “The Special One” won a total of ten championship titles in four European leagues. Mourinho also triumphed in the Champions League with FC Porto (2004) and Inter Milan (2010).

He won the Europa League with United in 2016/17 and led Porto to the title in the previous competition, the UEFA Cup, in 2003. However, despite great successes at national level, he was denied international triumphs with Real Madrid and Chelsea FC. Mourinho's emotions in 2010 after the Champions League final between Inter and Bayern. © Facebook/Jose Mourinho

The damn third year The Portuguese stands for titles, successful football with results and he was always known for his good rapport with his players. However, Mourinho still lacked one proof in his long coaching career: the two-time Champions League winner was never able to “stay” at a club long-term or managed to constantly develop a team over the years.

After his two extremely successful years at FC Porto (2002-2004), he moved to Chelsea FC, where he was released in his third season after two successful seasons due to a lack of results. He also moved on to Inter Milan at the end of his second year, winning the treble. At his subsequent stops (Real Madrid and Chelsea FC) he won the national championship in his second season with a respectable points lead. But success also failed to materialize in Madrid and London after two years and he resigned in his third season or was released again at Chelsea. “Mou” now suffered the same fate at Manchester United. Mourinho has always been known for his good relationships with his leading players. © Facebook/Jose Mourinho

Mourinho beckons mega severance payment Financially speaking, Mourinho will certainly not become a social case after his dismissal from Manchester United: He took up his position at the Red Devils in the summer of 2016, the contract ran until 2020 and included an option for another year. According to consistent media reports from England, the club not only has to pay the Portuguese the remaining salary (20 million euros), but also an additional severance payment (5 million euros). The future of the “Special One” Because Mourinho, with the exception of Porto, only worked at top clubs who are unlikely to play an outsider role in most games, the “Special One” philosophy has now worn out. This is also because Mourinho firmly adheres to his philosophy of underdog football and hardly ever questions it. A fact that will not go unnoticed by other top clubs that are currently or will be looking for a coach in the future.

One thing is certain: Mourinho will return to the highest level. He has had great success, especially in his second season, his teams regularly played for the big “flower pots”. Real President Florentino Perez is said to have contacted him several times before his dismissal from United and asked him to return. “He's the best we've ever had here,” Perez said after Mourinho resigned of his own free will in 2013 following a falling out with some of the team. It is quite possible that he will knock on his door again if new coach Santiago Solari fails.

GB Premier League International	SP	TV	P
1. Arsenal FC	30	72:24	68
2. Liverpool FC	29	67:27	67
3.Manchester City	30	67:29	67
4. Aston Villa	31	63:46	59
5.Tottenham	30	62:44	57
6. Manchester Utd.	29	40:40	48
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José Mourinho: The myth is crumbling

José Mourinho was considered the best football coach in the world after winning the treble with Inter in the summer of 2010. But the “Mou” myth is gradually crumbling - at the latest after his dismissal from Manchester United. Time to investigate the cause.

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