From ‘I am Jose Mourinho’ to ‘I Prefer Not to Speak’: Here’s The Special One’s Most Iconic Interviews Of His Career

In soccer management, touchline drama and post-match interviews often rival the excitement on the pitch. Surrounding this narrative emerges a character as captivating as the game itself. Jose Mourinho, also known as ‘The Special One,’ is not just a successful manager but also a master of the press conference.

Mourinho’s interviews are a major highlight of his career. They’re bold, dynamic, and often laced with a touch of controversy. Let’s delve into the archives, and relive some of the most iconic moments where ‘the special one’ took charge with the microphone.

‘The Special One’ emerges (2004)

It all began in 2004, at his unveiling as Chelsea manager. Jose Mourinho, a young, charismatic coach fresh off a Champions League win with Porto, declared himself ‘a special one’ in a press conference. The self-assured statement set the tone for his managerial tenure, as he led Chelsea to Premier League glory that season. “Please don’t call me arrogant, what I am saying is true. I’m a European champion, I’m not one of the bottles. I’m a special one,” Mourinho confidently proclaimed, cementing his place as an icon.

God’s Favorite Child (2011)

Jose Mourinho’s interviews weren’t just about the proclamation of his greatness. They also showcased his wit, and his ability to disarm reporters with a self-deprecating joke. In 2011, after winning the Champions League with Inter Milan, he declared: “He (God) must think I’m a great guy, he must think that because otherwise he would not have given me so much… he must have a very high opinion of me.” This glimpse into Mourinho’s mindset offers a unique perspective on the man behind the managerial genius.

A Hockey Game (2004)

Known for his unfiltered opinions, Mourinho’s critique extended beyond his team. In 2004, launched an attack on his at the time league rivals Arsenal, after they defeated Tottenham 5-4. “Five-four is a hockey score, not a football score,” he remarked, adding that even in training matches, such results were unacceptable. Ironically, during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, Mourinho found his team on the wrong end of a 5-4 scoreline in an FA Cup clash against Everton.

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho Mocks Arsenal & Predicts Manchester City to Win the Premier League Over Liverpool

Preferred not to speak (2014)

In a surprising defeat against Aston Villa in 2014, Jose Mourinho found himself navigating through controversial decisions. While remaining in charge of the Blues, Mourinho uncharacteristically chose silence, stating, “I prefer not to comment because if you want to speak about big decisions, you don’t just speak about the red cards, I prefer not to speak. If I speak, I am in big trouble, and I don’t want to be in big trouble.”

This cryptic statement went on to become a meme, a symbol of Mourinho’s neglect in the face of adversity. It was a masterclass in passive-aggressive communication.

From Judas to Number One (2018)

Fast forward to 2018, and Mourinho faced his former club Chelsea as Manchester United’s manager. The Stamford Bridge fans, dissatisfied with his second stint, labeled him as ‘Judas.’ In response, Mourinho embraced the tag, and stated, “They can call me what they want. Until the moment they have a manager that wins four Premier Leagues for them, I’m the number one. When they have somebody that wins more, I become number two. Until this moment Judas is number one.” It was a defiant statement, a reminder of his achievements, and a way to channel the negativity into fuel.

Jose Mourinho remains a magnetic personality in the world of post-match interviews. Fans and critics will be eagerly anticipating his next memorable quote or silence. So, the next time you hear ’The Special One’ speak, pay attention. You might just witness the birth of another iconic interview.

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