Is Jose Mourinho still “the special one”?

Manchester United and manager Jose Mourinho have lost three straight matches. Has he lost his magic? Is he still “the special one”?

Jose Mourinho first uttered those famous words “I am a special one” in a press conference at Stamford Bridge on July 2, 2004.  That was the day that he was first introduced as Chelsea’s new manager. Ever since then the media have referred to Mourinho as the special one

Back then Mourinho was a hot commodity and a rising star in European football management. It all began for him when he took over the helm of Portuguese side Porto in 2002. He led them to two straight Primeira Liga crowns and the Champions League title in 2004.

This led to Mourinho’s introduction at Chelsea. Backed by owner Roman Abramovich’s billions, Mourinho built a successful squad and went on to win two Premier League titles.

Friction with Abramovich eventually led to Mourinho leaving the London club in September 2007.

His next managerial job was in Milan with Inter. More success followed. Under Mourinho Inter won two Serie A titles in 2008–09, 2009–10 and the Champions League trophy in 2009-2010. Despite his accomplishments, controversy always surrounded Mourinho. If he wasn’t arguing with other Serie A coaches, he was busy criticizing Italian refereeing. His time in Italy came to an end when he left Inter for Real Madrid in May 2010.

His winning ways continued in Spain. He won the Copa del Rey in 2011 and the La Liga title in 2011–12. Of course along with the achievements, Mourinho brought baggage. There were many episodes of tension with some of his own players as well as opposing coaches. Following the 2012-2013 season Mourinho was on the move again by “mutual consent”.

He returned to Chelsea and won another EPL title in 2014-2015.

Then came last season. Mourinho’s defending champions lost nine of their first sixteen league matches and were sitting in 16^th place in December of 2015. Mourinho once again left a club by “mutual consent”.

Had the bubble burst? Was the special one now the ordinary one? Perhaps that saying what goes around comes around had finally come true.

Mourinho proved to be a victim of his own hype. Yes he achieved greatness with rich clubs that could afford expensive players. However, he truly seemed to think that he was above everyone else. His impulsive and explosive behavior was no longer seen as an endearing character trait.  He was the creator of his own problems.

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Mourinho’s real character flaw is his inability to see his own faults. He never holds himself accountable. In Mourinho’s world it’s always someone else’s mistake. If it’s not the doing of the referee, the opposing manager or his players then maybe it’s the team doctor.

Now at the helm of Manchester United, Mourinho is coming off of a terrible week. His team has lost three straight matches. That hasn’t happened to a Mourinho managed team since he was with Porto in February 2002.

Going back to last season with Chelsea, Mourinho has now lost 11 of his last 21 Premier League contests.

If Mourinho is really still the special one, he’s got his work cut out for him. Time will tell.