The most colourful, outspoken manager in world football has returned to the Premier League. There was a time when we thought we may never see his face on these shores again, we could only dream of a glorious encore. But the fairytale has become a reality, Mark Hughes is back!
That’s enough about old sparky though, because this week belonged to one man and one man alone. On Monday José Mourinho delivered his first press conference as manager of Chelsea.
Dubbing himself as the ‘Happy One’ , a mellowed Mourinho spoke to the English press that typically humble way of his. The 50 year-old shook the hand of every journalist as they came in, it was as if he’d never been away.
But he has, and that’s where his problems lie. When he left he had four of the world’s best players in Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, Drogba’s now out of the equation and soon enough the only way the others will get in to Stamford Bridge is with the Chelsea pensioners.
This time around Mourinho’s task is not just dependant on instant victory but on rebuilding an institution. He appears as cool as the underside of your pillow, but deep beneath his chainmail front, Mourinho knows those expectations and is sweating like a 70s TV presenter.
The Portuguese manager is set to bring in players to bulk up his squad, the likes of Hazard, Mata and Oscar don’t necessarily fit the Mourinho model and the ex-Real man is rumoured to be interested in Xabi Alonso and Edinson Cavani amongst others.
Having spent a career total of £690m and lit up the Premier League in the past with the likes of Khalid Boulahrouz, Asier Del Horno and Mateja Kezman it will be interesting to see how he can possibly top those signings.
Joking aside, José Mourinho is undoubtedly the right man for the Chelsea job, his passion, flair and tactics can bring stability and glory back to West London before long.
Let’s hope Mourinho is in it for the long run this time…
Wisdom, but no common sense
England U21s arrived in Israel this week knowing that they could win the European Championships. However three defeats from as many matches mean that, like Simon Cowell, they return home with egg on their faces.
But it’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s worse.
That’s because Stuart Pearce had his best players taken away from him so that they could play in the FA’s birthday bash at the Maracana. Even if they had to play against Brazil, how much effort would it take for Wilshire, Phil Jones, The Ox et al to join with the squad at a later date.
We’re hardly asking them to swim there.
During the final group game against Israel, a match England were playing for personal pride, Andre Wisdom captained the side. Says it all really doesn’t it?
In Spain it is compulsory to play for your country. Spain are World champions.
In England it is all but up to club management. England are an embarrassment.
Michael’s Swan Song
The papers are full of reports suggesting that Michael Laudrup may be leaving Swansea this summer. If the great Dane does leave it will hit the welsh club hard, he is a great talent and one of the best managers around at the moment.