I’ve been saying for a while that I thought Jose was making a long and drawn-out pitch for the Man Utd hotseat – and it seems that yesterday he stepped it up a notch.
Comments from Mourinho saying that he would like to take over from Alex Ferguson when he retires have been reported everywhere since he made them yesterday afternoon. Bearing in mind that Ferguson will likely continue for at least another two years, we Chelsea fans face the very realistic prospect of both Mourinho and Hiddink managing other clubs in the league (the latter has made hints that he wants to return to England, and not necessarily to Chelsea).
In my view, Jose would be the ideal candidate for the job. Ferguson’s been there for pretty much two decades – the man who takes over is going to need a colossal ego to step into those shoes. He’s need to be something ‘special’ to instantly command the respect of the dressing room and calm any apprehension from the stands. If those are the criteria, then realistically there’s only one man with the character and CV for the job. On the other hand, perhaps the Man Utd hierarchy and their fans wouldn’t take to Jose’s perceived defensive mentality.
Personally however, the possibility of him moving to Old Trafford is something I dread. And that’s what’s interesting - should Mourinho move to Utd, what would Chelsea fans make of it en masse?
What do you think? How does this compare to Zola moving to West Ham, which didn’t seem to make too much of a splash with Chelsea fans?
Personally I don't care where he coaches. I view him as a great part of our past, but exactly that... our past. He is gone, and in all likelihood never coming back, he has moved on... so should we.
Posted by: Michael Hepp | 30 July 2009 at 02:16
Michael - thanks for your comment. And you're right, of course... But football has a funny way of giving you emotional connections to players and managers in different ways (I know I'd have a certain reaction if Thierry Henry ever played for us, for example).
Yes, we need to move on (and not just the fans) but I'd still despise seeing him in the Old Trafford dugout.
Posted by: Russell Saunders | 30 July 2009 at 15:51