Mourinho

by Patrick Barclay

-When Jose Mourinho realised as a teenager that he was never going to be a great player, he decided he was going to become the best coach in the world. At 42, many would say he's done that - probably including Mourinho, who has called himself the Special One. From translator and assistant to Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona, to Champions League-winning manager at Porto and on to (potentially) Europe's most successful football club at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho's ascent has been rapid. Backed by Abramovich's billions, Mourinho has weeded out those not fully committed to his methods, has made several astute signings and has improved the game of many Chelsea stars. The in his first season, Chelsea won both the Premier League title and the Carling Cup. Patrick Barclay, award-winning football correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph, has written an intelligent, analytical and concise account of the psychology of Mourinho. To develop this portrait, he has interviewed those who have worked with him, such as Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal, as well as the players who provide a revealing insight into what has made Mourinho the most successful manager in the world at the moment.

Genres: Biography, Football, Sports, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Patrick Barclay was a British journalist and sportswriter.

Reviews

[Luís · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the Best. Point.

[Aleksander Foks · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may not like the way of being Jose Mourinho, but you can't deny his success. Personally I like this specific mentality. This book shows more shades of Jose's personality. For me it is an inspiration and a something like volant in leadership area. Nobody accidentally builds such superb teams. Mourinho did it when he was the coach of Chelsea Londyn, Inter Mediolan and Real Madryt. Now he's changing Manchester United. He restores United to the glory days when Manchester United coach was Alex Ferguson. Aside from the readable narrative, this book contains some practical tips. Taking control of a football locker room filled with superstars requires range of special skills. Jose's story shows how to take shape these skills and use them in our life. You don't have to be a football coach, to take advantage of reading this book

[Andrew Mensah-Twumasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy reading about polarising figures. The 2 Mourinho books i read came out quite close to each other. Both good reads, and little different. One of them, I apologise. This one, or the one with Luis Lourenco detail the CL in 2004, and i remember specifically the Semi Final 2nd Leg. I watched that game with admiration. So was in tuned with the book(s).

[James Earp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that really put my mind into the boots of a brilliant man during the most brilliant moments of his career.

I feel with a figure like José it's important to understand who, how and why to truly see his genius and where it comes from.

We'll worth a read if you're a football man

[Tim Roast · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book to read for anyone interested in finding out how Mourinho came from nowhere to manage one of the world's leading teams, Chelsea. It includes interviews of fellow managers and others who have known Mourinho along the road. It also looks at Mourinho's methods of management from a psychological point of view.

There are no interviews with Mourinho though but there are mentions of the official Mourinho biography so that will be my next read.

An interesting read into an interesting character.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

What might have been an interesting book was largely spoilt by the constant background noise of Patrick Barclay's axe being ground. He never lets a chance for a snide aside or petulant dig pass him by. If you want an unbiased, objective read, this isn't it.

[Ahmed Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it explains how a world class manager has succeeded in his career.

This book is abou the manager Jose Mourinho. It talks about his managing career and what he accomplished in each team.

[Marias Portugal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mourinho é um vencedor e um homem muito interessante...
Um exemplo a seguir.