A need for time
Jose Mourinho is a divisive individual and will normally bring the winds of change to whatever club he takes over. Due to these characteristics and his style, there is often an adjustment period for his players. Mourinho’s interactions with players on the training ground and in the locker room can cause waves, and there is a period where trust must be established between the coach and his squad.
At FC Porto, the Portuguese side won the UEFA Champions League in Jose’s second term. Porto were a talented squad, with players like Ricardo Carvalho and Deco leading the charge, but nobody had them pegged to be champions of Europe. Inter Milan became the first Italian club in history to capture the treble in 2010, winning the Champions League, Serie A and the Coppa Italia. The Nerazzurri accomplished this in Jose’s second season.
In Mourinho’s second season at Real Madrid, he brought a La Liga title to Los Blancos after a period of dominance from Barcelona. After returning to London for another stint at the helm of Chelsea, Jose lead the Blues to a Premier League championship in his second season.
A bit of a pattern there? Many signs point to Manchester United ownership allowing the Special One to continue on his course. Mourinho’s methods may take time, even a full year to completely materialise, but his success rate speaks for itself.