By Michel Pierre-Louis
Gone is the eye poking, FCB conspiracy theorist, controversial “special one” from the Bernabeu. Brought in to dethrone Barcelona and capture that elusive “decima”, 10th European Cup title; he was relatively successful (glass half full) or somewhat a failure (glass half empty).
Mourinho never really got on the same page with his players, and most notably Real Madrid’s prized possession Christiano Ronaldo. We all remember Ramos’ shaky relationship with Mourinho, Casillas’ demotion to a bench warmer, and most recently Mourinho referring to C. Ronaldo as NOT being the “real Ronaldo”.
Whether it was Mourinho’s play calling style (very conservative against FCB), Barcelona seemingly winning everything, the 5-0 rout in his first clasico; something was just not sitting right. Although Mourinho was supposed to stay at the Bernabeu until 2016, he coached his last game as Madrid’s HC in a 4-2 win over Osasuna at the Bernabeu, in last season’s final League match.
Quotes from Jose Mourinho of Chelsea FC after loss to Real Madrid
Mourinho now heads north, and returns to Chelsea. In comes Carlo Ancelotti, to take over a divided locker room, and yet again – the search of European glory and dominance over Barcelona. Having previously dealt with prima donnas such as Ibrahimovic in Paris, we will see how he fares at the Bernabeu. By the way, mention-worthy among his assistants, a Frenchman named Zinedine Zidane; the one that last led Madrid to a European Cup.
In his first “test” (although in a relatively friendly, low key competition) he won his first trophy with the club, the International Champions Cup (ICC) against none other than Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. A win in which the Portuguese Ronaldo struck twice in a 3-1 Madrid win.
Another great La Liga season is looming upon us folks, interesting signings, new coaches, this should be a very interesting one; or should I say another great 2 horses race.
Home
Store
Contact