Jose Mourinho

The ‘Special One’ worked as a translator for former Barca boss Sir Bobby Robson, before being promoted to assistant manager under Louis van Gaal.

Since then, Barca fans have been sick of the sight of the Portuguese mastermind with his latest insult to the Nou Camp faithful being the way he helped Inter Milan deny the Catalan club the chance of winning the Champions League in the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona are just one point behind league leaders Real Madrid and go into this mouth watering clash on the back a 8-0 demolition of poor old Almeria in La Liga and an impressive 3-0 away performance against Panathinaikos in the Champions League.

You cannot help but match up two of the world’s superstars for this clash, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi looking to outdo each other in this massive game.

Messi is in scintillating form for Barca, bagging himself 23 goals in 18 games in all competitions this season. Ronaldo is also enjoying a dazzling season, with 18 goals in 19 games, as his tricks continue to baffle defenders in La Liga and the Champions League.

Obviously this game will not just come down to these two superstars with the likes of David Villa, Gonzalo Higuain, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta all capable of stealing the headlines.

With the game at the Nou Camp, Barca will be favourites but with Real in their current form and Mourinho’s abilities to mastermind the most unlikely of wins, the team from the capital might just nick this one.

In the Serie A, table toppers AC Milan are on the road as they take on Sampdoria on Saturday (Sampdoria 19/10, draw 21/10, AC Milan 5/4 – Match Betting).

Milan sit just three points ahead of Lazio, who are chasing hard, whilst city rivals Inter trail the leaders by nine points.

Sampdoria had a strong start to the season but have dropped points in recent months and currently find themselves in eight place in the league.

They go into this one after a 3-2 win over Serie A strugglers Lecce, but will come up against tough opposition as they face a Milan side that have lost only one of their last eleven games in the league.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in fine form for Milan since he joined the Italian side on loan from Barcelona and he could be the star of the show, with the Brazilian tricksters Robinho and Ronaldinho providing the service.

This should be another three away points for AC Milan, as they look to win their first Serie A title since 2004.

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Reports this week have claimed the Portuguese Football Federation want the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager to take over on a temporary basis after the sacking of Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz was dismissed last week after being handed a six-month suspension for insulting anti-doping officials ahead of the World Cup.

Prior to that, he had presided over a home draw with Cyprus and a defeat in Norway in Group H to dent Portugal’s hopes of making it to Ukraine and Poland.

Portugal face Denmark at home and Iceland away next month and speculation had suggested the FPF would turn to the self-proclaimed ?Special One? on a two-game basis.

However, Casillas, who led all-conquering Spain at the World Cup in the summer, says Mourinho does not have the time to devote to his country?s cause.

He said: “I think it would give him too much. I am sure he would like to coach Portugal but his head only thinks of Madrid.

“I don’t think he will go. I have talked to him and his mind is set on Madrid.”

Mourinho himself admits the idea could be a non-starter although he has not completely ruled the proposition out completely.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Real Sociedad this weekend (Sociedad 6/1, draw  16/5, Madrid 4/11), he told a press conference:  “If it were not for Real Madrid I would do it for free.

“But if you ask me right now if I can go, I think not. I have a contract with Real Madrid. I do not say no, but in the natural way of things, I do not think this is the time.”

Mourinho added: “Real Madrid have every right in the world to put an obstacle in the way.

“And if you put the slightest obstacle there, I can’t go.

“To say no to Portugal is impossible because of my personal pride and my passion for Portugal, but at the moment I cannot say yes.”

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Jose Mourinho

England were tipped for great things at this summer’s World Cup but put in some of the worst displays seen in a long time by the national side at a major championships.

Draws with the USA and Algeria were followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Slovenia but that only delayed the inevitable as Germany crushed Capello’s men 4-1 to send them packing at the last-16 stage of the tournament.

The Italian tactician has a superb managerial record at club level, having guided Real Madrid to the Spanish title in his two one-year spells at the Bernabeu, while also winning titles at AC Milan, Roma and Juventus, although Juve were later stripped of their titles due to the match-fixing scandal.

Capello is known to be a tough disciplinarian and takes no nonsense from players. Many pundits felt this would be good for the national side, as it is often difficult to gel together players from so many different clubs.

But Mourinho, who won two Premiership titles while in charge at Chelsea, disagrees and feels that England’s problem is that they currently have a manager who is unable to empathise with players who might not agree with his way of thinking (Real Madrid 9/2 to win Champions League).

“The problem is the manager,” the Real Madrid boss told the Daily Mirror. “Capello will not work for England. He has a one-track relationship with players. Ask anyone here at Real Madrid. He can’t change. You cannot go around just shouting at players. They need to feel special.

“It is clear. Capello will not work for England. He does not know the players. They are frightened of him and they can’t play for him.

“For me, it is a mess for England. Players need clear tactics. They cannot be confused about what they have to do. It is the manager’s fault. And it is a big shame.”

Capello’s inability to communicate with his players has been questioned ever since the South African debacle and the veteran manager has been branded a ‘donkey’ by a British tabloid on Wednesday.

He has been given a vote of confidence by the FA and will be in charge for England’s Euro 2012 campaign, starting with two qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland on 3 and 7 September respectively.

Whether or not he is still at the helm at the end of qualification remains to be seen, with England’s fans running out of patience for a return to winning ways and success at a major event.

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The much-decorated coach has yet to sign a contract with Spain’s prestigious capital club but is convinced he has the pedigree and profile to finally mount a challenge to great rivals Barcelona and bring European success back to the Bernabeu.

Speaking about his goals in La Liga, the 47-year-old told Spanish sports daily AS: “I want to win the league, because no player or coach has won the English, Italian and Spanish leagues and I would like to be the first to do it, and also to be the first coach to lift three Champions Leagues with three different teams.

“I would also like to discover a player from the youth team and make him into a star. I have a lot of motivations. I don’t want to lose humility, so I cannot come out and say that I’m going to win the league when you are up against a super team like Barca.”

Real embarked on a 250-million euros spending spree this time last year but ended the season trophyless under Manuel Pellegrini, who was sacked on Wednesday.

Mourinho has already earmarked targets he has in mind as he looks to put his own stamp on his new-look team.

He tried to sign Gerrard from Liverpool when he was manager of Chelsea and knows all about England team-mate Lampard’s qualities from his trophy-laden tenure at Stamford Bridge (England – World Cup 2010 Specials).

Mourinho said: “I like players in the final part of their careers. I love to have some players who are 33 or 34 years old…they are players that you buy and you won’t recover this money, but if they give you good performances for two or three years you’ve got your money’s worth.

“Both (Gerrard and Lampard) are great players who always give everything.”

Real are waiting for Mourinho to resolve his contract, which runs until 2012, with Internazionale before they can unveil the two-time Champions League winner.

The La Liga giants have only won two major trophies in seven years and failed to get beyond the last 16 of the Champions League in any of the last six seasons.

Mourinho, fresh from guiding Inter to a historic treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles, has also dismissed suggestions he will want to be the centre of attention, insisting the team comes before any personal gains.

He added: “I will arrive with pride for my professional work, but with much humility because Real Madrid are much bigger than all of us.”

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Although it has not been made official yet, it is no secret that José Mourinho will be managing Real Madrid next season in what can only be bad news for Barcelona as Mourinho has developed a taste for victory over the Catalan side.

‘The Special One’ has already issued a harsh warning to los Galacticos by saying that there are no stars in his team and adding that he envisions a deal to be completed after meeting officials in Madrid.

Mourinho told a Portuguese television station that Jorge Mendes, his agent, has met with Madrid representatives and as a result a deal is almost certain but added that he wants to meet with the representatives from Madrid first so as to get a full understanding of the role.

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It is rumoured that Mourinho will join Madrid on a four year deal worth €10 million per season.

“I want to meet people, know exactly what they want from me and the conditions, not the structures, because these I already know, to avoid any doubts when I begin my work. I think all will be consummated.”

“The stars now are Inter, they are the European champions. My message to the players of Real Madrid, if I train them, is that they are not stars, the star is not the coach, the star is the team. If they all accept this like when I was at Porto, Chelsea or Inter, the victories will come.”

Mourinho, who led Inter to glory in the Champions League on Saturday night, said that there are a number of reasons for taking over the role.

“It will be a huge challenge to contest the League against Barcelona. They are a great team and have proved it by almost reaching 100 points. Trying to win the Champions League is an incentive as they have not won it in eight years,” he added.

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“It’s an incentive because everyone says it’s a lost cause because my profile doesn’t fit Real Madrid or the club does not have the profile that I think a club must have.”

One thing is for sure though, Madrid will hand Mourinho a massive cheque book and Mourinho will spend it. Expect next season’s La Liga title race to be another fascinating battle between two of Europe’s elite clubs.

Related posts:

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2. Champions League Final Build Up. Robben Expects Inter to Attack, Inter Expects Mourinho To Go
3. Inter ’s Mourinho Proves to be the Special One Again

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Jose Mourinho has admitted that the only two options for him this summer are to stay at Inter or make the switch to Real Madrid.

Mourinho has not officially been contacted by Madrid but the Portuguese has fuelled speculation after telling the Italian press, “I want to coach Real 100 per cent. If it is next year or later, I can’t say.

“All I say is that if you are a coach or a great player, to not play in a club like Madrid leaves a hole in your career.”

Mourinho has established himself as one of the world’s most prestigious managers, winning titles in Portugal, England and Italy – so far.

The former Chelsea boss is always looking for a new challenge and that, combined with his fiery relationship with the Italian media, could lead to an exit from the Milan side.

Mourinho has publically commented on the fact that he and his family don’t feel at home in Italy and has blasted the Italian FA for making him what he describes as a hate figure.

A move to the Spanish capital would certainly provide Mourinho with a fresh start and what would surely be his biggest managerial challenge to date.

Current Real coach Manuel Pellegrini and his side amassed 96 points in the league this season and were only beaten to the title by a rampant Barcelona side on the final day.

So, if Mourinho does make the switch, he can expect enormous pressure to win both La Liga and the Champions League in his first season – most Real Madrid managers don’t get two.

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1. Champions League Final Build Up. Robben Expects Inter to Attack, Inter Expects Mourinho To Go
2. Inter ’s Mourinho Proves to be the Special One Again
3. Serie A Predictions: Mourinho’s Inter Milan To Thrash Catania

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German champions Bayern Munich lock horns with their Italian counterparts Inter in the first UEFA Champions League final to be played on a Saturday and both sides are eagerly anticipating the biggest game of the season excluding the World Cup.

Dutch wizard Arjen Robben has stated he expects Inter to start the game with attacking intentions, but pointed out that Bayern have to play their own game if they are to be successful at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I don’t expect Inter to defend as much as they did against Barcelona, though of course they also had a player sent off,” Robben was quoted as saying by the official UEFA website.

You Can Bet On This Outcome Now: Inter v Bayern Champions League Final

“We have to play our own game. We can’t change our tactics. We’ve played the whole season the same way and that’s what we will do in the final as well. On the day you have to sometimes be a bit lucky, but at least you have to be sharp in front of goal and the chances you get you have to take.

“The main goal for Bayern was to win the league and that’s what we did. But now we’re in the final of the Champions League and you have to try to win it. You have to give all on this day and I think we will see 22 players who will play for their lives.”

Meanwhile the speculation regarding Joes Mourinho’s future after the Champions League final has hit override with reports of Inter Milan lining up Liverpool’s Rafa Benitez to replace the ‘Special One’ should he depart for Real Madrid. Mourinho has poured more fuel on the fire by once again stating his dislike for Italian football and his desire to have two-to-three days to think about his future after the Champions League final. So as Inter fans brace themselves for life without Mourinho they can take comfort in the fact that Frank Ribbery will definitely be suspended for the final after UEFA upheld his ban

You can bet on the Champions League final with PartyBets.com, Inter Milan are favourites at 2.30 with the Germans available at 3.20.

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The former Chelsea boss has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu and Inter president Massimo Moratti admitted earlier this week he expected Mourinho to depart the Giuseppe Meazza over the  summer.

However, the Portuguese tactician was not expected to make an announcement about his future until after Inter’s European showdown with Bayern on Saturday but he has now confirmed he would welcome a move to Madrid.

“I want to go to Real Madrid, 100%,” Mourinho told Spanish publication Marca. “If I didn’t get there, I would leave football with a void in my career.

“Only Real can see me leave Milan after two incredible years of work. If I go, I do it with a clear conscience after having changed the club.”

Mourinho has already led Inter Milan to Serie A Success and Coppa Italia glory and he is now looking to cap an already sensational season by delivering Inter their first ever Champions League trophy.

Inter Milan have won the old European Cup, with their last appearance in Europe’s top final coming way back in 1972, where they were beaten by Dutch giants Ajax.

The Italian side remain favourites to pick up the Champions League trophy despite Mourinho’s bizarrely timed admission. Mourinho led his charges to victory over Chelsea in the early knock-out stages and they have
impressed throughout their European campaign this season.

The Italian giants also managed to see off holders and heavy favourites Barcelona in the semi-finals thanks to a rigid strategy and Mourinho will surely have a game plan ahead of the showdown with the German giants, who struggled to get past Italian opposition in the shape of Fiorentina in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Croatian striker Ivica Olic admits he is desperate to score in the Champions league final, despite being an Inter Milan fan (Olic 15/8 to score anytime in the Champions League final).

Olic revealed he had a trial with the Serie A giants as a 17-year-old and they were keen on snapping him up but he decided instead to move to German outfit Hertha Berlin as he felt it would be better for his career development.

Olic has a habit of scoring important goals for Bayern and the 30-year-old hit a hat-trick in the German side’s semi-final victory over Lyon, although without the suspended playmaker Franck Ribery to create openings in the Inter defence the Croatian forward may struggle to find the net against Inter.

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Inter Milan

The Italian giants face Bayern Munich (23/10) in European club football’s showpiece event on Saturday, with both teams looking for a treble after winning the league and cup in their domestic competitions.

But whatever the outcome at the Bernabeu, Moratti feels that the former Chelsea boss will be on his way this summer, with Real Madrid constantly being linked to the talented tactician.

“It is difficult to make percentages with a personality so explosive,” the Inter president told Italian radio. “No one knows what he’ll decide. Either it’s a surprising thing that we don’t expect or unfortunately one we do expect.”

The 47-year-old has enjoyed success since taking over at the San Siro in 2008, winning consecutive Serie A titles and the domestic double this season with a 1-0 victory over Roma in the Coppa Italia final.

A victory over the Germans in the Champions League final on Saturday would likely bring the curtain down on his time at Inter, and maybe in Italy, as the self-styled ‘Special One’ has made it clear that he does not like the way football is played in Italy.

The Portuguese manager has a history of moving on after success, leaving Porto after guiding them to Champions League glory and Chelsea after two Premiership crowns, and so even a victory in Europe’s premier club competition is unlikely to keep him at Inter if he decides it is time to depart.

Mourinho was seen to shed a tear after claiming the Scudetto on Sunday and Moratti believes it showed the human side of a man who is totally driven to succeed.

“He is a complete man who also has a sentimental part that he keeps hidden because he is the boss,” Moratti said. “The tears showed his affection and gratitude for the players.”

There are plenty of other betting opportunities with totesport for the Champions League final. Mourinho’s sides, Inter included, are always defensively sound and so an early goal might be all that is required for the Italians to secure the treble.

An Inter 1-0 victory can be backed at 11/2, while 2-0 trades at 7/1. A goal-less draw is also on offer at 7/1 and if you feel Bayern might sneak it by the odd goal then they can be backed at 15/2 to win 1-0.

A 1-1 draw, taking the final into extra time, is also priced at 11/2.

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The Nerazzurri produced a fine first-leg display as they came from behind to beat holders Barcelona and take control of this Champions League semi-final.

Once again Jose Mourinho got his tactics spot on when it really matters, and Pep Guardiola and Barcelona know this. The question is; can Barcelona now salvage the tie and retain their Champions League crown which is hanging by a thread?

Inter allowed Barcelona the ball where they couldn’t hurt them, then picked the right moments to press and harass Barca before launching lightning-fast counter attacks. It was a perfect ‘team’ display by the Nerazzurri who collectively to a man executed Mourinho’s game plan to perfection.

Jose Mourinho and Inter know that there is still a long hard battle awaiting them in the second leg at Camp Nou next week. They will also know that scoring an away goal will mean that Barcelona will have it all to do as they will have to find a way past their rock solid defence at least three times – but with Messi on form that is possible!

Inter Milan are now favourites to qualify for the final at 1.70, with Barcelona facing an uphill task they are 2.05 to make it to the final at the Bernabau stadium next month.

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