View from overseas: Mourinho: artist or artisan?

Story by Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers

"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European Champion and I think I'm the special one." Jose Mourinho - June 2004.

Surrey, UK (March 19, 2006) - Few would disagree with the assertion that Jose Mourinho is special, very special indeed on the landscape of English football, but of his credentials which ones define him as being out of the ordinary?

As a manager he has great pedigree, but his rise to the top has been reasonably linear in relation to contemporaries such as Eriksson, Wenger, and Houllier.

The aforementioned coaches all had little distinction as players, but overcame this by being brilliant at articulating technical and strategic instruction, combined with an inherent understanding of the unique disposition of the soccer player's mentality.

Like Mourinho they learned their craft as assistants or at minor clubs and worked their way to the top. Therefore, while Mourinho is certainly a great coach, he shares his place on the pantheon of successful managers and has followed in a path well worn by many others.

So why does the son of Sutebol draw such attention? In part it comes it comes down to the nature of his personality. Mourinho exudes charisma; any number of managers could and do articulate similar opinions, but struggle to deliver their thoughts so emphatically or more importantly with a Mediterranean drawl.

Furthermore his comfort in dealing with the media sets him apart, most do not have the inclination or confidence to go toe to toe with the games' journalists' and editors'. Conversely Mourinho proverbially jumps into them two footed with his studs showing.

When you then combine this with his self assurance and smoldering Latin good looks, as a package you are dealing with someone who is very special indeed…for the media.

The reality of Mourinho in the English football market is that he is now in a position where by he drives the media industry. The Chelsea manager sells newspapers, creates headlines, and delivers sound bites. An absence of activity on his part creates a vacuum that is filled with stories of "Ferguson must go," incidentally his team currently sit 2nd in the league with a League Cup under their belt, or the pincer movement of "Sven Out" despite a drama free qualification campaign and a healthy libido for his age.

The extent to which Mourinho has moved football editorial from its bread and butter copy was eloquently highlighted at the beginning of this week, when he arrived at Barcelona airport. The ensuing media scrum surrounding his arrival was comparable to Madonna or Michael Jackson in their pomp, albeit it they were welcomed not spat at.

However, Mourinho's bottom line is results in football not PR stunts in the Basque Region, and in this respect at the Nou Camp Chelsea's head coach proved that maybe he is not so special.

Like Wenger and Ferguson, in their earlier European Campaigns his side looked ill equipped to deal with the best of European Football. Out thought and technically not as proficient, the side struggled to deal with the questions continental sides can ask of English club football.

While historically this is understandable, neither Wenger or Ferguson claimed to be the special one or had unlimited resources at their disposal.

The result also exposed certain limitations in his coaching philosophy, Chelsea's strength is found in there organisation and defending. Barcelona had enough skill not to feel pressurized by this tactic, forcing Chelsea to create chances rather than exploit plays that they had broken down. It was evident that Robben, Cole, and company have not yet necessarily gained the experience to be confident in such situations.

Again sides do develop and have to go through stern learning experiences to appreciate the nuances of European football, but the fact remains that given the opportunity to create a side as he wishes, he has chosen utility and functionality over flair and creativity. Strategically this is the right move, in order to win a Premier League Campaign, additionally why change a style that has been successful thus far in his career. Arguable, for Mourinho to be considered special in the wider scheme of football management he is required to progress the team a little further.

Another area where Mourinho excels, is his perception of the soccer's bigger picture. Many clubs have bought their way to success such as Blackburn and Lazio but neither has made a similar impact.

Traditionally on a European and domestic level, Chelsea FC have had little resonance in terms of success or reputation. Under Mourinho's stewardship they are now sworn enemies of Uefa and the world biggest football club in Barcelona. It is certainly not lost on Jose' that if you're going to have a rival, go to the top of the table, and create the best possible drama against the most formidable adversary.

As a man manager Mourinho can not be faulted either, he has never been afraid to drop players for not adhering to his fundamentals. Shaun Wright-Philips and Joe Cole at times have lacked concentration and/or positional discipline, and despite plaudits and MVP awards have found themselves back on the bench. Amazingly, Cole contritely pointed out that he "would love to be involved again, and hopefully I will be given the chance to prove myself."

In the Premiership his tactics cannot be faulted either, the level of control his side exerts of opposition teams has been exemplary, they conceded only 15 goals in the league last season, and have set the standards for organisation and defensive discipline.

Mourinho's special-ness could also turn out to be his weakness. Having created an incredible excitement around the Barca fixture he failed to deliver. Needing two goals to stay in the competition, he picked Drogba who has struggled for goals since his arrival.

When he did adjust the side he replaced Cole with Huth, the center back proceeded to break up every Chelsea attack they tried to create. There were also still four defenders on the pitch and Wright-Philips remained on the bench, suggesting he does have some experiences to gain.

However, the Chelsea head coach has earned the right to make mistakes, and prepare for major competitions as he wishes. He recently negotiated a $37.5 million 5 year contract before bonuses, his only motives are likely to be excellence and when and where he decides to leave the game. Jose Mourinho- master of his own destiny; artistic indeed and a very special figure in Association Football.

Andrew Rogers, contributes to USA Today, Gol TV and Four Four Two. He lives in Sunbury on Thames in England. Formerly the director of communications for the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders, he is a UEFA 'B" license coach and plays semi-professionally with Spelthorne FC.