Jose’s On His Way

‘LAST night Jose Mourinho left Porto with the greatest prize in European club football in their hands and made his way to Chelsea.

Mourinho is excited about coaching Chelsea

“I have nothing else to achieve in Portugal,” says the Portuguese manager, who has now won the Uefa Cup and Champions League in just two seasons at Porto.

“The challenge is not big enough for me,” he tells the Telegraph. “I want a new life and that new life is in England…I have given my word to one club and I will not change my mind.”

That sounds very much like Mourinho – whose Porto side thrashed Monaco 3-0 last night in what the Indy calls a “tactical masterclass” – will be at Stamford Bridge next season.

But he’s a cagey one, and says that his agent still has “a few things in his pocket”.

“I cannot speak about Chelsea because I don’t really know,” says Mourinho – even if he has given his word to some club or another.

So we stick with our impression, and the Sun’s assertion, that Mourinho is on his way to the Blues, where he will replace the gregarious Claudio Ranieri.

What happens to the ousted Italian is anyone’s guess (Spurs is ours) but one man’s fortune is now certain – Alan Smith is Manchester United’s newest acquisition.

And the pugnacious former Leeds player says that he is prepared to take the stick for signing for Leeds’ dreaded foe.

“Not a lot of people would have been brave enough to take that step,” says Smith, who follows a path well trod by the likes of Joe Jordan, Gordon McQueen, Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand.

“A lot has been made about me leaving Leeds to come to United but that can only improve me as a player,” he continues.

Smith makes a valid point, and any player would be a fool for passing up the chance to better himself, his medal collection and his bank account.

He leaves behind a depleted Leeds team and their news boss, Kevin Blackwell, looking to the future.

“If I can bring players in here who have the same attitude as Smithy,” says the former Sheffield United first-team coach, “then it won’t be long before we are successful again.”

And have a few more players to sell to your rivals…’

Posted: 27th, May 2004 | In: Back pages Comment | TrackBack | Permalink