Is Jose cracking up?

[lafdugga]

ESPN (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=463975&cc=5739)
However, in a typically bizarre analogy, Mourinho admits that without his best players, it is like trying to make an omelette without the best eggs money can buy.

Mourinho declared: "The style of how we play is very important. But it is omelettes and eggs. No eggs - no omelettes! It depends on the quality of the eggs.

"In the supermarket you have class one, two or class three eggs and some are more expensive than others and some give you better omelettes.

"So when the class one eggs are in Waitrose and you cannot go there, you have a problem.

This is just the best ever almost as good as Cantana's seagulls followed the trawler’ and the fact he was trying so hard not to laugh was just class.

[Al Stevens]

Ok no more drugs for Jose. Thats probally worse that cantana's seagulls speach.

[MG]

Just before I scream at the screen anymore....its Cantona!!

As for Jose, he has always been making references like this, ever since I watched him at Porto in the Champs League.

I like the eccentricity, very Clough and Paisley!

[lafdugga]

What I liked was the fact that he was trying to look so serious while he said it and yet you could tell in his voice he was about to wet himself with laughter.

[dpddave]

It's really a great way for Jose to tell the player's that have come into the team that their not good enough too play the style of football he want's. Well done Jose,im sure that will do wonder's for team morale.

[Burakiosaurus]

it's obvious he doesn't like Sheva .. that was made even more clear by the interview on Match of the Day

[Clarkey]

Whichever way you look at it though, and regardless of his opinion of them; Jose Mourinho has not been able to get the best out of one of the the best midfielders in the world, and one of the best strikers. When people like Arsene Wenger get criticised and labelled as not being able to handle world class players, leading to continuing to work with his youth policy; it does make you ponder why Mourinho doesn't get the same tag? Not to say that the likes of Essien aren't world class in their own right mind you, and he handled those fine.

[Burakiosaurus]

if Mourinho had been left to manage the team, then Ballack and Sheva wouldn't be there...

[Clarkey]

Wouldn't they, or is that just an excuse from Mourinho because he couldn't handle players with a world class ego? To be fair, we don't know how much say Jose had in them being there. If he was so against them coming he would have let us know, with how outspoken he is on everything else. I don't doubt Brammers had a big sway, but Jose wasn't as much as an innocent victim as can be made out in their arrival. But hey, the same thing can be labelled at Fergie. Beckham starting to get his world class mantra, well popularity wise, and Fergie carted him out the door. Actually, is there a manager in the Premiership that has handled a true global star?

[Jung]

Allardyce always did well with the old stars who were unproductive i.e. Okocha, Djourkaeff, Campo, Hierro, Bobic etc. so I guess him to a degree, but we haven't seen him handle a current megastar.

The problem with Sheva and Ballack has been, they've just been really poor. Sheva doesn't really have any excuses as they've played him with different people in different formations and he's just not done it.

Ballack I feel will never do well cause he always has to play second fiddle to Lampard and he probably won't ever get the chance to show if he can do better or be more vital.

I think the problem with a lot of players once they are labelled world class, is that they become bigger than the team. Its then hard for the manager to bring them down from that, cause of sponsorship, fans wanting them, chairman, player ego and so on.

Happened with Brazil with Ronaldinho and Kaka at the WC and credit to Dunga when he came in he gave Ronnie his chance and when he under-performed he dropped him. Now he's brought him back, altered his position and he looks back to his best.

Obviously in club football the likely scenario a lot of managers probably think is "sod this, I may as well sell him at his high point" and most of them go that way.

[dpddave]

Mourinho likes to be the star of the show. Ballack and Sheva came in and their bigger and better known star's than Jose maybe that's his problem with them.

[Jung]

I disagree completely there Dave.

Lampard, Terry, Makelele etc were all bigger stars in England than Jose, who at the time was known but not that well known.

I just think its down to Sheva under-performing and Ballack not being played in the right position/formation.

[King]

It's a catch 22 situation with Jose IMO.

I can see the boards point of view with all the money they have spent and still no Champions League but if he was left alone to do his job and get the players he really wants they might have more sucess in Europe.

[Big Slow]

Whats he got to worry about, he is gonna clean up this season with Chelsea

[Burakiosaurus]

Actually, is there a manager in the Premiership that has handled a true global star?

whoever managed Titus 'Fox' Bramble

[MG]

Actually, is there a manager in the Premiership that has handled a true global star?

As an Arsenal fan I thought the answer to that was pretty simple IMO

[Joey Asbo]

Rooney and Ronaldo are global stars and good ol' Fergie keeps them on the reigns alright!

[Clarkey]

Rooney and Ronaldo have the potential to be, but I would argue they are not near the level of global yet. I am talking Ronaldinho/Beckham style Michael Jordan dominance, where it isn't neccessarily talent but the whole aura around you that means you are known by those not acquainted with football. I still don't think the Premiership has had anyone who has quite got anywhere near that in their time in this country. And those that did have departed just as they headed up along on that gravy train.

Arsenal wise, Bergkamp I guess you could wager, but he didn't at all fit the star side outside of Holland. Henry is just building his own aura really, buddying up to Deng of the Chicago Bull's leading to getting his shirts dotting in America. The move to Barca being that next step. Essentially leaving the Premiership to reach that next peak (oh and his divorce after cheating leading him to scarper). The same can be wagered at the other world class players Arsenal have had, they either haven't fitted the aura I am trying to refer to, or have departed to pastures new to try and achieve it. Fabregas is our next best bet, but even he will end up in Spain eventually.

[Hardcore Holly]

Whats he got to worry about, he is gonna clean up this season with Chelsea

Care to wager on that Joe options?

[MG]

Clarkey, I would have thought that Wenger's management of Henry over the years has to put him in the bracket that you suggested...

Ok what has happened over the past 6 - 18 months has blinded us a little, but the board room politics has had as much to play witht hat, than Arsene Wenger's management

[Clarkey]

The thing is with Henry while at Arsenal, the club never exploited his increasing name value in the markets that mattered to create this global aura. Wenger refuses to go anywhere but the likes of Austria, Germany and Holland for friendlies. He encourages the younger stars to be the figureheads of the club, inviting different players to do the promotional work as part of their growth. He and the club could have quite easily used Henry purely, and used his increasing name to increase the clubs and vice versa, but it's not in his psyche. I agree playing wise Henry was right up there all the way through his playing career under Wenger at Arsenal, coming so close to winning the Yearly awards proved that. But the fact he never got recognised despite having better years than most (in my opinion anyways) had more to do with him not quite having the global reputation he warranted, and I think that was down to being at Arsenal, and that being because of the other reasons I already stated.

Henry wanted to move to Barca after the CL final, had we won he would have gone. That was the peak of stardom and name value, his centre stage. We lost and he decided to stay, and never got over the fact he didn't go. Last season Wenger got infuriated with him for the way he started to embrace the promotion work and other things outside of playing that he never had before, and that Wenger never encourages his players to do, outside of work for the club itself and the odd player related. Someone somewhere, maybe even Henry himself encouraged him to milk his name he had built and take it to the next stage. This lead to signing a hefty deal with Reebok and other companies, more promotional work when he was 'injured' and this carried on for the rest of the season with him continually in America (Wenger and Henry had a bust up in December leading to him being out for the season). Then he got his move to Barcelona, and took that next step.

So basically, while it is later in his career than most, I only feel now is he reaching that global status because only now he is embracing the chance to become that.

[Burakiosaurus]

Cantona was managed ok by Fergie .... but that guy was a true rebel like Maradona used to be

[headshrinker]

Sky Sports news is reporting that Mourinho has left his job tonight. They're saying that he's texted his senior players saying so.

[JC]

What?! Sky Sports said this?!

[headshrinker]

Yup, on sky sports news right now! They're stressing it's only a report but someone has told one of their senior reporters it is the case with the text message thing. Mourinho might even be calling a meeting with them tonight to tell them so apparently.

The Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007430717,00.html) is reporting it but can't find much else on the net right now:

JOSE MOURINHO is in his last few hours as Chelsea boss, according to dramatic reports.

He is said to have texted senior players confirming his departure after late-night rumours spread.

MORE TO FOLLOW

[JC]

Holy God and Meeery..

Didn't think Jose would walk..

EDIT: BBC reporting it now. :( people will probably think I'm being insincere but I'm upset for Jose. He's a great man and shouldn't have been forced to make this decision.

I can see a few big names leaving next summer after this aswell.

Lamps is a defo. Drog will go for certain. even Essien might leave.

[headshrinker]

Made the BBC site too now: (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7003912.stm)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has sensationally left Stamford Bridge, according to BBC Radio 5live football correspondent Jonathan Legard.
The news comes just 24 hours after the disappointing Champions League draw against Rosenborg.

Legard understands that Mourinho has texted senior players, including skipper John Terry, with the news of his departure from Stamford Bridge.

There has been no official word so far from the Premiership club.

More to follow.

[Clarkey]

I should really shed a tear, but I am as happy as Larry. Good riddance.

[TGO]

Unnamed Chelsea player says "Jose was sacked"

[headshrinker]

Sky Sports now reporting that a senior Chelsea player has told them Mourinho has been sacked. Oh well, chin up Jose :D

[JC]

He can pick himself up and become the stand up comedian he's clearly always wanted to be :D

[Clarkey]

Jose's probably off to pick up some first class eggs from Tesco's for his morning omelete.

[headshrinker]

Confirmed on Chelsea site:

20.09.2007
Chelsea Football Club and José Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent.

[Proudy]

Im so happy! Lets hope a few of the players, Fat Frank being one of them, bugger off now aswell!



Mourinho makes shock Chelsea exit

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has stunned the world of football by leaving Stamford Bridge by mutual consent.

The decision comes after the club held a crisis meeting to discuss the indifferent start to the new season.

Mourinho, 44, joined Chelsea in June 2004 and led them to the Premiership title in each of his first two seasons.

But his relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich grew increasingly troubled and he quit despite having three years left on his contract.

Former Chelsea player Didier Deschamps has emerged as one of the frontrunners to replace Mourinho, although Russian manager Guus Hiddink is also likely to be a contender.

BBC Radio 5live football correspondent Jonathan Legard understands Mourinho texted senior players, including skipper John Terry, to tell them he was leaving.

Meanwhile, Peter Kenyon, the club's chief executive, Bruce Buck, the chairman, and Abramovich's key aide, Eugene Tenenbaum, were called to an emergency meeting at Stamford Bridge last night to discuss the emerging crisis.

Former Israel coach Avram Grant, recruited in the summer as director of football, is expected to take charge of the side for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United.

A statement on the Chelsea website confirmed: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."

Many of Chelsea's staff and players had been enjoying a relaxing evening at a Fulham Broadway cinema last night as they watched a screening of 'Blue Revolution" - a new documentary about the Abramovich years.

But senior players like Terry and Frank Lampard were absent and the remainder, except a reluctant England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, refused to talk to the media.

Mourinho also attended the evening but ignored the waiting media and looked decidedly glum.

Mourinho made a massive impact at Chelsea after joining them from Porto, whom he guided to Champions League glory in 2004.

Last season, the Blues finished runners-up to Manchester United but won both the FA Cup and Carling Cup, a trophy they had also collected in 2005.

Mourinho's achievements also saw him voted as Premiership manager of the year in 2005 and 2006

MOURINHO'S CHELSEA RECORD

2 June, 2004 - Appointed manager
27 February, 2005 - Wins Carling Cup 3-2 v Liverpool
30 April, 2005 - Beat Bolton 2-0 to win Premiership title
4 May, 2005 - Signs new five-year contract
29 April, 2006 - Beat Man Utd 3-0 to win Premiership again
27 February, 2007 - Beat Arsenal 2-1 to win Carling Cup
19 May, 2007 - Win FA Cup by beating Man Utd 1-0 at Wembley
19 September, 2007 - Leaves Stamford Bridge

However, the Champions League trophy eluded the club and this season's campaign started with Tuesday's shock 1-1 draw at home to Norwegian side Rosenborg in front of a crowd of just 24,973

It was their third successive game without a win following a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa and a goalless draw with Blackburn in the Premier League.

Those results have left Chelsea fifth in the table - two points behind leaders Arsenal and with a visit to Manchester United to come on Sunday.

He did have one unique record during his reign in never losing a home league game at Stamford Bridge.

He still had three years left on a contract worth a staggering £6.5m a year.

At the time he signed that deal, Mourinho said: "My heart is with Chelsea and the fantastic group of players that I have but the vision of the owner and the board for the future of Chelsea is also one I want to be a part of.

"I cannot imagine another situation or another club where I could be happier. I am totally behind this project."

But the Chelsea board are thought to have become increasingly unhappy over the team's form at the beginning of the campaign.

Deschamps, who captained France to glory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, is now one of the names in the frame to replace Mourinho.

Deschamps began his coaching career with Monaco before joining Juventus, but he resigned from the Italian club in May 2007 and is currently unemployed.

He spent a year with Chelsea as a player in 1999-2000, winning the FA Cup.

[Marshall Mac D]

Right before facing man united brilliant must do some locker room morale damage I must admit im going to miss jose's interview's with macho big headed point's oh well.

[Ray]

Good.

[Clarkey]

Avram Grant replaces Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant was at Portsmouth before joining Chelsea. Chelsea are set to name Avram Grant as their new manager replacing former boss Jose Mourinho, BBC Sport understands. The Israeli, who was the director of football, will now take charge with Steve Clarke as his assistant.

Grant will be named as the new manager at Stamford Bridge later today, BBC Sport's Garry Richardson has revealed. The 51-year-old, who is a close friend of Roman Abramovich, arrived at Chelsea in the summer and was told by Mourinho not to interfere in team affairs. Grant, who up until now has held a place on the Chelsea board, arrived at Stamford Bridge after a spell as technical director at Portsmouth.Previously he guided Israel to the brink of World Cup qualification in 2006 and he has also coached Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.

Former Chelsea player and BBC pundit Gavin Peacock said the appointment was a strange one. "If you're bringing in someone like (Russia manager) Guus Hiddink, then you're bringing in someone of great repute, as for Grant, I don't know."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7004083.stm

There has been a fellow rumour going round that Jim Smith, down at Oxford United getting the job. Murph over at Smash found this on that little story, here on F365. (http://www.footballforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146612&page=4) Good for a giggle.

[Jung]

NO NOT JIM SMITH!

Actually sod it they can take him, then he can get them to a 2 legged play off, win the first away leg easy, go ahead at home, then get pegged back and lose on pens:sad5:

But in all seriousness, I'm actually really surprised and in a way sad to see him go.

He's the kind of guy a fan loves to hate. He's cocky, abrasive, hypocritical but he gets results, he backs it up. As much as he's frustrated us, imagine if he was England manager? Considering his record, I'd snap him up in a heartbeat.

But well the Premiership title is now wide open. Liverpool and Arsenal are now in with, if they perhaps weren't before, a definite chance to win the title.

Man Utd can't pick the right formation to accomodate everyone, Chelsea are in a complete shambles with the old chairman has more footballing say than the manager does, leaving the only 2 stable and in form (to an extent) clubs out of the top 4 being Pool and Chelsea. This actually could be the most wide open title race now in years now and any of the top 4 have a great chance at the league. So for the neutral brilliant news, but I am sad to see Jose go. The game needs characters and in the Prem managers there aren't nearly enough of them.

[Burakiosaurus]

i think it's a shame that it has culminated in this. i will miss José as he was a great manager and a massive personality.

so ends the Abramovich witch hunt.....

[Kanenite]

Just saw it on SS News, bit of a shocker. He did Chelsea well though and was a character to watch.

[Jung]

They'll be the new Real Madrid now. Chairman with ridiculous power over the manager, sacking them if they get 1 or 2 bad results or don't win everything.

I mean honestly Chelsea's results have been pretty decent altogether, it must be cause Roman has complained about something.

Wonder where Jose will go now? I wonder if Spurs are on the look out?

[Clarkey]

Guess we have to wait for Danny Styles and co for a decent view on it, but will the Chelsea fans turn on Brammers in support of Jose, or sit tight and see how it goes and as to whether it was the right decision. They snapped up Jose after carting out Ranieri, so I would hazard a guess they will sit tight yet. But with only 25,000 turning up the other day, I'm pretty clueless as to what any of them really think.

[Clarkey]

Wonder where Jose will go now? I wonder if Spurs are on the look out?

I could forsee a Jol/Mourinho managerial swap shop, with Arnesen convincing Brammers to pick up Jol and if interested Jose taking the Spur's job to prove his worth in the Prem. But I think it's more likely Jose will take a break and wait for a possible job such as (as unlikely as it is with his past) the Barca job. Rijkaard to Chelsea in the Summer, with Grant filling in until then, then Mourinho back to Barca?

[Jung]

Guess we have to wait for Danny Styles and co for a decent view on it, but will the Chelsea fans turn on Brammers in support of Jose, or sit tight and see how it goes and as to whether it was the right decision. They snapped up Jose after carting out Ranieri, so I would hazard a guess they will sit tight yet. But with only 25,000 turning up the other day, I'm pretty clueless as to what any of them really think.

I think the Chelsea fans will turn on Roman IMO.

Never once have I heard any Chelsea fan even suggest Mourinho should go. There will be some backlash I believe, because on results alone, Jose should never have been sacked.

Chelsea are in some major trouble. The likes of Lampard, Drogba, Terry have all said they'd consider going of Jose went, so now who knows?

All we know is, whoever manages Chelsea in the future will not have much say on who they buy and maybe who they play. That is a very very bad sign.

Certainly this Avram Grant fellow, if he is their permanent manager, I'd worry a bit.

EDIT: I could seriously see Mourinho at Spurs. Wouldn't have to move, and has somethign to prove. Makes a lot of sense. They are the right stature too to be making a break or an attempt to get into the top 4. Very possible.

As for Jol at Chelsea? Nah, he's too strong a character. It will be interesting to see though. Rijkaard's position depends on how well Barca do this season. I mean if they win La Liga and CL, how could they sack him? I mean they aren't Real?

[Clarkey]

I was thinking more Rijkaard moving on himself rather than being sacked. He was very closely linked to the A.C Milan job all of last season, and one of the reasons I can only assume he didn't get it (feel free to correct me anyone) was due to Ancelotti winning the CL.

[Jung]

Its a lot of ifs and buts really, there are so many possible scenarios.

I guess time will tell, but its sad to see him go this way, but for the title race it brings it wide open. A lot of Chelsea's home record, grinding out results, attitude came directly from Mourinho. Now he's gone, what will become of that style?

Its 4 top teams all in a major transition period. United struggling with what formation to play and players to accomodate, Liverpool struggling with rotating at the wrong times it seems and Arsenal are a new team essentially.

Any 4 can realistically win the title.

Personally if Jol's gonna go (which it looks like he will) I'd love to see Mourinho at Spurs. I'd love to still have Jol in the Premiership though, and I'd imagine Bolton will be changing managers sooner rather than later, so who knows?!

Lol btw who had bets on Jose being the first manager to go in the betting thread? Anyone?

[Antihero]

Wonder how many players will follow Mourinho? Its a shock, yet has been inevitable since the arrival of Sheva against his wishes. Hopefully he gets another job in the Premiership, because love him or hate him, he's pure entertainment.

[WWEbelfastgal]

Mourinho are you listening?
You kept our trophy glistening
You p'd off last nite
you portugese shxxe
walking in a Fergie Wonderland

:devil:devil:devil

[G2G]

Chelsea need one of two managers now I feel who can emulate (or even better) Mourinho's successes at Stamford Bridge - Fabio Capello or Juande Ramos.

Capello is a free man who has a proven track record of success, and one of the greatest football coaches of all time. While Ramos (although I doubt he would want to leave Sevilla) would be another great choice as well. He's turned a mediocre team into one of Europe's finest.

[Moobs]

What a shocker. Didn't see this coming at all. Of course, there's always going to be speculation surrounding the top clubs, but I didn't think anything of it. As far as I'm concerned, this came out of the blue.

Oh, and Jol at Stamford Bridge would be interesting, and something I'd like to see.

[lafdugga]

They have employed that Grant guy as the new manager. Romans friend and ally.

[Jung]

Capello and Ramos could do great things but they won't get the chance.

Its clear Abramovich wants a lap dog who'll buy who he wants and attempt to play to a style that he wants.

I imagine Capello's sick of that after Real and Ramos who knows.

Either way a club is usually doomed when a chairman decides he wants to manage the team.

[Proudy]

Im so happy! However I would love to see Jose at Spurs, but I'd still want Jol in the Prem.

[Al Stevens]

i was reading the express and star just and it saying that the reason he quit was because of a bust up with John Terry over his form and fitness.

[Burakiosaurus]

ahhhh ... those reputable sources The Daily Express and The Daily Star

[Citizen Kane]

Obviously I'm not unhappy about the fact he's gone, but if I'm honest I will miss the guy. Sometimes infuriating, sometimes utterly hilarious. Not to mention annoyingly great as a manger. In the top bracket of managers in the world for my money (still behind Fergie), and to be honest he did deserve better then he got by Abramovich.

Although on the other side of the coin, this is GREAT news from a United point of view. Not just because of Sunday, but the season as a whole and beyond. I can really see Terry, Lampard, Drogba etc heading either wherever Jose goes or a top side either here or abroad. I've got a feeling Chelsea will really become like Madrid were a couple of years ago, with even less success. Mourinho could have stayed as long as Sir Alex at OT, but for whatever reason he's left with a whimper. A strak contrast to his exit from Porto. I wouldn't mind seeing him turn up somewhere else in the Premiership, but I can see him going to Italy or Spain to find a new job. Seeing him turn up at Spurs would be hilarious, but I can't see it myself (hopefully Jol gets more time anyway).

Big loss to the Premiership whoever you support, but is the title race ever open now.

[Al Stevens]

ahhhh ... those reputable sources The Daily Express and The Daily Star


Actually it's a midlands paper called the Express and star. Look it up ;)

[Clarkey]

It's just a recycled story from The S*n though, so Burakio has a point.

[Burakiosaurus]

midlands !!???? can they read and write in that part of the country?

[Drake]

I heard that Bern Shuster expressed that he doesn't feel comfortable at Madrid and that he wants to leave by the end of the year. So maybe, Mourinho to Madrid?

[The Crippler]

I honestly can't believe Chelsea have let this situation transpire. Whether he was sacked or whether he left of his own back, Chelsea are the ones who have created this situation. Abramovich has meddled far too much.

He brought in Frank Arnesen, seemingly without Mourinho's approval. He brought in Grant definitely without Mourinho's approval and the Ballack and Shevchenko signings were clearly not Jose's because they went against his past track record of the type of player he goes for.

Chelsea have just lost the best thing that ever happened to them. Forget Abramovich being the best thing that happened to them - they had his millions before Mourinho arrived and they still won nothing. The man is a gem of a coach - he'll be regarded as the best of his generation. Always thought it was ridiculous that people said Chelsea won things with Mourinho just because he had lots of money. It's not quite as black and white as that. Besides, he won the UEFA Cup and Champions League back to back on a shoestring budget.

Abramovich is living in dream world anyway if he thinks in a few years that Chelsea can become a "brand" (I hate using that word for football clubs) of the stature of Manchester United or Real Madrid. Or a number of other teams for that matter. The fact is that Chelsea don't have a particularly great history so if a lot of the falling out is because Mourinho played "dour" football that wouldn't attract the masses around the globe then that is a load of balls.

[Jung]

According to Sky Sports he's off to Portugal to be part of the backroom at the National team. I'd imagine he'd want to take over if/when Scolari leaves.

[Hardcore Holly]

I heard that Bern Shuster expressed that he doesn't feel comfortable at Madrid and that he wants to leave by the end of the year. So maybe, Mourinho to Madrid?

And I read that HE IS COMFORTABLE at Madrid :lol just depends on what source you go by I suppose but cant see him wanting to leave Madrid as they have a good squad that can compete on all fronts now.

Am I sad to see Mourinho go? not one bit but I think if he did walk then he was right to as Roman is quite frankly an idiot to be honest I mean whats going to happen to them now? the Chelsea players and fans adored him and I wont be surprised to see them turn on Roman. As others have said Chelsea are the Premier leagues Real Madrid with the club getting run very badly at the moment you have two assclowns in Kenyon and Roman.

I would love to see Mourinho go to Spurs and make them successful though it would be a great 'up yours' to Roman.

No Mourinho, Lampard or Drogba against Manchester United this Sunday? damn if Man Utd can get their s*it together we could stomp them into the ground.

Edit - so hes off to Portugal eh? makes sense to eventually take over but I would love to see him to take over a club with Champs League football and to meet Chelsea at sometime in the future.

I wonder if Sven is pissed that he took the Man City job now? or maybe not as so far so good for them but he would fit in perfectly with Roman IMO.

[Jung]

Would be very bad for United though if they lost. Talk about a confidence destroyer.

[Hardcore Holly]

Would be very bad for United though if they lost. Talk about a confidence destroyer.

Yeah if we have any aspirations to retain the title then we HAVE to win this game.

[Big Slow]

Current odds on Mourinho's next destination at William Hill are: 2-1 Portugal 5-2 Barcelona 6-1 Real Madrid 8-1 AC Milan 10-1 Benfica, Porto 14-1 Inter Milan, Juventus 16-1 Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur.

[Drake]

I certainly wouldn't mind Jose at the Nou Camp. :D

[King]

I think most clubs would like Jose as their manager.

[Hardcore Holly]

I think most clubs would like Jose as their manager.

I wouldn't.

[King]

I wouldn't.


I would.

[Hardcore Holly]

I would do Jose

You sick puppy.

[G2G]

Mourinho to Madrid at the end of the season???

:celb8::celb8::celb8:

[Big Slow]

I wouldn't.

Me and all, no way Jose.

[Jung]

I wouldn't.

You might not like him as a person, but you can't deny he's a fantastic manager.

[Hardcore Holly]

You might not like him as a person, but you can't deny he's a fantastic manager.

Nope I can't deny that nor did I try and deny that, its just I hate him and if I had to choose someone else ahead of Fergie it would be Hiddink, Capello or Wenger (although I hate him too he gets his teams playing great great football, much more so than Mourniho)

But nah Fergie will do rightly!!

[King]

Nope I can't deny that nor did I try and deny that, its just I hate him and if I had to choose someone else ahead of Fergie it would be Hiddink, Capello or Wenger (although I hate him too he gets his teams playing great great football)


Alot of hate going on here.

[Big Slow]

Capello gets teams playing grotesque football...

[Hardcore Holly]

Capello gets teams playing grotesque football...

Only when managing a team in Italy :greets4:

[Big Slow]

Nah not really at Madrid he had Emerson and Diarra as his gruesome destroyer duo and at Juve it was Emerson and Vieira...same **** really...

[BRM]

I think he'll end up in the Portugal job, the Portugese national team are hardly setting the world alight under Scolari at the moment with qualification for the Euro's no way guaranteed.

It of course be a lot less stressful than the Chelsea job and the Portugese media will o doubt give him the respect that he deserves.

That in turn means that Scolari could take the England job and McLaren could take the vacant Manchester United job whilst Sir Alex recovers in Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Naitch]

Well, the Premiership just got a lot duller. If I was, say, a Liverpool fan I'd probably dislike the man but I'm not and I don't. Football needs characters and people who incite drunken arguments from armchair pundits, it'd be a boring game if it was just dull people involved. Housewives will probably miss him too, the slick son of a gun.

Oh well, there is always Sven to brighten up the League. Christ.

[JC]

United are in a bit of pickle. They MUST beat Chelsea after all this, if anytime Chelsea are at the most vulnerable it is now!

WE MUST BEAT THEM!

[Jung]

Will be interesting to see what reaction the Chelsea players give.

Either lets win it for Mourinho or good God who the heck is this Avram guy?

Plus no Lampard and Drogba, could be a real intriguing tie.

Of course I'd still bet on it being a 0-0. Always seems to turn out that way. High expectations never reached.

[King]

Drogba has stated that he is on his way out now maybe in the January window.

[Antihero]

Yeah if we have any aspirations to retain the title then we HAVE to win this game.


Not at all. This season already looks far more open and competitive than before, its a given Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will drop points as the season goes on. Its WAY too early to be writing off anybody. (unless you're doing it to wind people up.)

[Burakiosaurus]

McLaren could take the vacant Manchester United job .

there's more chance of José ending up there than McLaren ....

[JC]

I could see Jose at Old Trafford easy. He's said many times he wishes to manage United at some point. Whether he'll get the chance or the United fans would want him is another question.

[MVP]

I could see Jose at Old Trafford easy. He's said many times he wishes to manage United at some point. Whether he'll get the chance or the United fans would want him is another question.

I'm a Jose Mourinho fan and would love to know where and when he said he'd love the Man Utd job because he'd be the perfect successor to Ferguson.

[JC]

I'm a Jose Mourinho fan and would love to know where and when he said he'd love the Man Utd job because he'd be the perfect successor to Ferguson.

Nothing concrete. Nothing as a quote or anything but many times sources close to him have spoke of a desire to manage United. Then again he's said the same about Real Madrid.

[MVP]

For your enjoyment here are a selection of quotes Sky Sports have assembled that entertained/confused us during Jose's Chelsea reign.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_2741758,00.html

[Jung]

Drogba has stated that he is on his way out now maybe in the January window.

I've heard he hasn't exactly said that, more a case of he'll see what happens and how the team is before deciding.

Same applies with Carvalho, Lampard, Ferreira, Essien, even Malouda.

Basically, they want to see if Grant does any good and if not, they'll be off. Pressure on the new man already.

[JC]

This is a man who got sacked from the Isreali job? Either Abramovich has unearthed some managerial hidden treasure or Chelsea are going to be fighting with Arsenal for 4th place.

[MVP]

According to Sky Sports the former Monaco and Juventus coach Didier Deschamps is a strong candidate for the Chelsea job.

[Jung]

This is a man who got sacked from the Isreali job? Either Abramovich has unearthed some managerial hidden treasure or Chelsea are going to be fighting with Arsenal for 4th place.

Was he sacked?

I knew he nearly got them to the World Cup last time. They had a tough group with Ireland, Switzerland and France. Also had success domestically in Israel.

Of course that all means nothing though or else the likes of Roy Hodgson, Alain Perrin, Egil Olsen and Jean Tigana would have also been glowing successes.

Could go either way.

[Wolverine]

It sounds that Grant is a really negative coach. Which is somewhat surprising seeing as one of the reported reasons for Jose's departure is that he didn't play exciting football. This Israeli journalist on the BBC says:

"His biggest fear is losing and although he was successful in Israel, he took some criticism for the negativity of his teams.

"When he was national coach, we went through a World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten, but while drawing 1-1 with France was a good result, there were games Israel should have won.

"He's not an Arsene Wenger type of manager - he doesn't care a lot for the aesthetics of the game, he just doesn't want to get beaten."

Then again, maybe he'll play more positively now that he has quality players at his disposal.

[Naitch]

According to the Daily Mirror (yeah I know, I know), Abramovich wants to bring in Jamie Redknapp as part of the new management team 'to give the club more glamour and popularity.' Well ok then.

[Hardcore Holly]

According to the Daily Mirror (yeah I know, I know), Abramovich wants to bring in Jamie Redknapp as part of the new management team 'to give the club more glamour and popularity.' Well ok then.

Hahaha good ol JR Jamie Redknapp eh? although that will never happen it would be damn funny if it did (+ for anyone interested you could watch him having orgies with his bum chums Terry and Lampard)

[Naitch]

Why not bring in Sophia Loren while they're at it? She was pretty glamourous and popular and would probably talk a better game than Jamie 'Ever so well' Redknapp.

[Jung]

Hey if it got him off Sky Sports and stopped his awful "he's literally left him for dead there Richard" lines, then I for one, welcome Chelsea's approaches with open arms.

All we need now is for Spurs to want David Pleat back.

[Naitch]

''I think Peter Schmeichel will be like a father-figure for Kasper.''

Earn that pay cheque, Jamie.

[Hardcore Holly]

Not at all. This season already looks far more open and competitive than before, its a given Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will drop points as the season goes on. Its WAY too early to be writing off anybody. (unless you're doing it to wind people up.)

I meant it more in the way that they have two of their most influential players out in Drogba & Lampard and the manager that all the players loved have left so it wouldnt look too good on Man Utds part if we cant beat a depleted Chelsea team but as has been said it wouldnt surprise me either if this ended in a 0-0 or 1-1.

Slick why do you think Arsenal will be fourth again this season?

[Burakiosaurus]

i like Redknapp ... he has that calm, consultataive approach and I enjoy his analysis on Sky with Tricky Dicky. It's Shearer I am not to fond of... just a bit boring and samey to me

[JC]

Shearer is the worst I think. At least Redknapp puts some energy into it, regardless of the jizz he's spewing over his colleagues.

Shearer just clambers on explaining the match situations like everyone at home is 5 years old, 'Well..that's where he get's it..looks up..find's Michael Owen..Bang! One - Nil England.' Astounding vocab.

As for why Arsenal finishing fourth? Well I've said before today (must have been another thread) that their squad is paper thin. They haven't had any noteworthy injuries until Rosicky the other night. I just think the season will weather them down in numbers and they'll finish 4th like last season. I mean Arsenal are playing their best football right now; nothing wrong with it but United and Chelsea are only 4-5 points off (I know they have a game in hand so I don't know what sort of advantage you call it) and playing pretty basic stuff by their high standards. If Liverpool stop rotating and United start banging in the goals their build up deserves then Arsenal will fall by the way side I almost guarantee.

A pretty bold statement but I'm comfortable making it.

[Moobs]

Shearer is the best, dammit!

And Redknapp at Chelsea is weird...

[Jung]

I think Alan Shearer's finding it hard to combine being a pundit while also captaining England's one day team in the Twenty 20 World Cup recently. Just not enough hours in the day.

[Moobs]

Heh.

Yeah, he is quite similar to Collingwood..

[Naitch]

I just wonder whether the huge amount of Chelsea fans who 4 years ago couldn't pick a Chelsea player out of a lineup of Chelsea players will still support the team if they go downhill post Jose.

[Wolverine]

Yeah, I can practically guarantee that if Chelsea decline then my sister will go and change her allegiance to Man United or whoever happens to be top of the league at the time.

[Jung]

I think thats what Roman doesn't get.

You can't just buy everyone and then overnight expect to get a sell out each week of a team playing the best football in the world. It just doesn't work like that.

The reason Chelsea got more fans than they had before him was because they started winning things. Glory hunters. They couldn't give a damn about if they played total football, they just were cool now cause they were Chelsea fans. Jeez I lost count of the amount of people I knew who were all of a sudden lifelong Chelsea fans come 2003.

Thus Chelsea aren't going to get those huge attendances for many years to come.

I mean look at Arsenal, Liverpool and United. They were packing out their home stadiums against everyone week in week out, and that's when they weren't winning leagues, and sometimes struggling. But they still had that core fanbase.

Chelsea arguably haven't had that since the 70's. You don't change that overnight. Its why Leeds v Forest got 30,000 fans. Money can buy you the best players and buy you trophies, but it doesn't mean it buys you loyalty.

The rest of the top 3 would have that regardless of where they finish. I don't think I could say the same about Chelsea.

[Naitch]

Didn't they want to become the premier club in world football by 2013 or so and be a proper 'name' club like Man U or Real Madrid? You can have more money than everyone else, doesn't mean you're the biggest team. Madrid, United, Barca, Liverpool et al didn't become what they did in a few years and by just pumping money in, there is a certain legacy and romanticism concerned with these clubs going back decades. Man U in particular have the fanbase they do because at one time there was a huge amount of affection for them post Busby Babes, Munich and then the Law-Charlton-Best team. They are pretty much the biggest supported team in Ireland for example primarily, I'd say, because of George Best. Chelsea's history is Chopper Harris, Kerry Dixon, Dennis Wise and Ken bloody Bates. They can pump as much money as they like into the team and Kenyon can continue harping on about them winning two European Cups in 10 years and becoming THE franchise in world football but if they become the top club in the world in 7 years, I'm Jose Mourinho.

[Citizen Kane]

That came from Peter Kenyon though, so of course it's going to be complete rubbish.

[Ray]

Jose Mourinho has said he wants to go back to Portugal and never be seen again.

The McCanns have offered their services.

BWAHAHAHAHA!

[Naitch]

Man, doesn't take them long.

I heard Pavarotti jokes about 30 seconds after he was pronounced dead.

[MVP]

That came from Peter Kenyon though, so of course it's going to be complete rubbish.

The same man who betrayed Man Utd to go to Roman's army.

[Al Stevens]

BWAHAHAHAHA!

Ray that was a brilliant :lol

[Danny Styles]

The thing that makes me chuckle about this (not so much chuckle as die inside) is that Abramovich replaced Chelsea's best ever manager, a man who was adored by EVERY Chelsea fan and player- yet pushed him out the door, saying he wants better football and european sucess

Yet he puts in a butt kissing yes man who doesn't even have the qualifications to manage in European competitions! and who frankly doesn't have much of a clue about manager

I've been meaning to write a huge rant on the Jose situation from my point of view, but i don't have the energy in me yet!

[Jung]

Clearly Roman wants to manage the club himself, buy the players he wants, play the style he wants.

And thats very very bad news.

[JC]

Well he could always just buy the coaching liciences if he ever decides to literally run the club :D

[BRM]

It's been going on up in Edinburgh for the past 2 years now.

[The Crippler]

Yeah, it does look like Chelsea are going that way and if you look at the state of Hearts since Romanov started meddling in team affairs then Chelsea are on a slippery slope.

[Burakiosaurus]

hopefully we'll see a Leeds'esque scenario when Roman gets fed up and pisses off

[Naitch]

You know what would be funny? If Grant won all 4 cups this season with Chelsea playing some Brazil 1970, Harlem-Globetrotters-of-football stuff. I say 'funny', I mean 'very unlikely' but it'd be a case of 'Jose who?' from fickle Chelsea fans who we've seen cry outside the stadium because a football club let a manager go.

[Danny Styles]

I love how people bunch all Chelsea fans together, first it was 'oh they are all glory fans and they'll all leave when they don't win trophies' and now it's 'oh now they'll all go nuts for Grant if he starts winning and forget Jose because they are fickle',

take your head out of your arse and stop being so damn insulting and snobbish!

[Burakiosaurus]

i believe the term 'fickle Chelsea fans' was used, thus not encapsulating all Chelsea fans

[Naitch]

What Burakio said, I didn't say all Chelsea fans were fickle, there are those who were there when the club was in the toilets and Ken Bates was bailing them out and the last few years have been orgasmic for them I'm sure but there are a lot of fickle fans there who arrived when Roman's millions did and if he bought Spurs tomorrow and hired Jose, they'd start supporting Spurs. Honestly, 4 years ago I had never met a Chelsea fan and never seen anyone in a Chelsea strip on the street and now I see them all the time.

But I suppose I'll just take my head out of my arse then. Or whatever.

[Jung]

I love how people bunch all Chelsea fans together, first it was 'oh they are all glory fans and they'll all leave when they don't win trophies' and now it's 'oh now they'll all go nuts for Grant if he starts winning and forget Jose because they are fickle',

take your head out of your arse and stop being so damn insulting and snobbish!

You can't deny though your fanbase has pretty much doubled since Roman took over. And chances are that half would leave just as quickly if/when you aren't super successful again.

[Naitch]

According to Sky Sports News yesterday, one of the Sunday newspapers who claimed to have credible sources were saying that Abramovich went into the dressing room after the Rosenborg match to tell Essien to pass the ball to the wide players more instead of through the middle. He's already bought some players by himself and now he wants to be tactics man, maybe he should just manage the team then. Seems like another Hearts situation.

[Big Slow]

Berlusconi does stuff like that though like insisting we play 2 up top and then when he realised Ancelotti was only ever gonna use 1 insisting Gilardino should play in Athens...tit...

[Burakiosaurus]

super Pipo!

although he did score against us in Euro 2000 I think ... so still have some dislike for him

[Big Slow]

Yeah a penalty it was...