Jose’s – how much credit does he deserve? - 28/04/2005

One of a select few who can improve the Chelsea squad

Links:  Players:    Rio Ferdinand    Steven Gerrard  Managers:    Jose Mourinho  Clubs:    Chelsea

In comparison to all other Premiership clubs Jose Mourinho has the financial backing that’s second to none, he’s also got a squad that is arguably stronger than any of his competitors.  So just how much credit does he deserve to take from this season’s success?

In my opinion he deserves to take the plaudits that by and large have come his way. Although it’s fair to say that the catalyst for the Chelsea revolution was Ambramovich’s investment, Claudio Ranieri spent £100m and failed to achieve substantial progress with a squad that he’d been developing for some time. However in his first season at the Bridge the man from Portugal has transformed a side of somewhat underachievement, to a side that is winning the Premiership at a canter, and is close to repeating this success in Europe’s premier club competition.

Mourinho’s style – as portrayed in the media may well be maverick, but his management style is well proven. He’s built a team of players who complement each other and who have the ability to grind out results when their football isn’t flowing. On a number of occasions three points have been fought for - and won - when the quality of football on the pitch hasn’t reflected the superiority you’d expect from a champions elect club. Tactically the man is strong, but if I was to identify only one reason why Chelsea have been so dominant, it is the fact that Jose’s players all want to play for him. He’s generated a team spirit of togetherness that is fantastically strong.

Mourinho’s culture of togetherness deserves credit. It wasn’t so long ago that a well versed comment surrounded the accusation that Chelsea were collecting a team of mercenaries. Such an accusation has been turned on it’s head, and the person responsible is the manager.

If players such a Stevie Gerrard, Adriano and/or Rio Ferdinand are to arrive at the club this summer, my only fear is that the competitiveness of the Premiership will decrease…not that that will worry most Blues fans

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