Hated, Adored But Never Ignored. The Rise of the Special One: Jose Mourinho

The greatest heroes and underdog stories aren’t born in times of comfort.

Taking risks others would call stupid, making bold promises most would call arrogant, and fighting when everyone else would give up. This is where legends are made.

Today I introduce to you one of the greatest underdog stories the sporting world has ever witnessed.

This is the insane rise of the ‘Special One’ - Jose Mourinho.

Movies will be made, books will be written.

But now it’s time to rewind the clocks as I take you on an epic adventure through the highs and lows of how one man defied all odds and from seemingly nothing wrote himself into the history books as a sporting Goliath.

Here’s a quick summary of what’s to come:

1. The Game That Made The Man

2. Standing On the Shoulders of Giants

3. A False Start

4. Impossible is Nothing: FC Porto

5. The Introduction of The ‘Special One’: Chelsea

6. Us Against The World: Inter Milan

7. Knocking Pep of his Perch: Real Madrid

Before we go any further let’s address the elephant in the room. To all my American friends I love you but this game, this beautiful game, that we English created is called football, not soccer.

With that behind us, let’s get started with the game that made the man.

The Game That Made The Man

Born in 1963 to humble beginnings, Jose Mourinho’s journey to success deviated from the norm. 

The son of an international goalkeeper, he experienced the surge of social liberation in post-revolution Portugal, acquiring an education that paved the way for his future success. 

Even in his youth, he displayed a keen understanding of football strategy.

Raised by a footballer father and a teacher mother, he carried the seeds of ambition and intellect within him. 

However, his path was uncertain, navigating through football academies as he grappled with the realization that his playing skills weren’t good enough to reach the top.

Rather than viewing limitations as obstacles, he saw them as opportunities for transformation – a chance to redefine his role, reshape his story, and emerge as a master of coaching. 

Thus began his quest for knowledge and mastery, attending the Instituto Superior de Educação Física and participating in coaching courses under the English and Scottish Football Associations, fuelled by an insatiable hunger for innovation.

Jose’s distinctiveness extended beyond technical prowess; it was characterized by his unwavering spirit and belief in the power of the underdog. 

Influenced by mentors like Andy Roxburgh, he envisioned a new era in football where strategy, psychology, and sheer determination would reign supreme.

The world wasn’t prepared for the storm Jose was about to muster.

Standing On the Shoulders of Giants

In the early 1990s, Jose, transitioning from his role as a physical education teacher, set out to establish himself in the professional football management arena in his hometown. 

Fate intervened through Sir Bobby Robson, the highly charismatic English manager, who assumed leadership at Sporting CP in Lisbon.

Years after his death, Bobby is still remembered as a living legend of the sport, and he left a profound impact on this young hungry lion.

Recognizing Jose’s proficiency in both English and Portuguese, Robson brought him on board as a translator.

As Jose seamlessly balanced translation duties with coaching responsibilities, he and Robson formed a formidable partnership, eventually moving to FC Barcelona together in 1996. 

Their collaboration was nothing short of sensational – Robson's attacking flair blending with Mourinho's defensive expertise, leading Barcelona to a triumphant season with victories in the European Cup Winners' Cup, the Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España.

However, football narratives are prone to twists, and Robson moved on, leaving Jose at a crossroads. 

Barcelona, acknowledging his immense potential, opted to retain him as assistant manager. 

Under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, Mourinho continued to evolve, contributing to Barcelona's La Liga triumphs twice during Van Gaal's initial two-year tenure.

Recognizing Jose’s burgeoning talent, Van Gaal entrusted him with leadership roles, overseeing Barcelona B and even guiding the first team in specific competitions. 

From Robson, Jose gleaned insights into man-management and the importance of match-winners in any team. 

From Van Gaal, he adopted a meticulous approach and a belief in using ball possession to control and influence the game. 

From within, he honed an unwavering conviction. 

The self belief and fighting spirit of a true underdog whilst dreaming of becoming a sporting Goliath.

And as we’ll see in just a second, everyone who did doubt him would live to regret it.

A False Start

During an open conversation with Van Gaal, Jose entertained the idea of returning to Portugal, considering a role as an assistant at Benfica. 

Van Gaal's wise words echoed "Tell Benfica if they want a first-team coach you will go; if they want an assistant, you will stay." 

Jose embraced the challenge, taking charge of Benfica in the early stages of the league.

His stint at Benfica concluded on December 5, 2000, following a brief involvement with only nine more league games in charge.

In the summer of 2001, Jose sought a new venture with União de Leiria. Halfway through the season, he guided the tiny club to an impressive third place in the Portuguese top flight, disrupting the traditional power dynamics of the league.

Mourinho's success at Leiria garnered attention from larger Portuguese clubs.

He was hand-picked by Benfica’s fiercest rival: Porto.

The stage was set. 

The Underdog. The translator. The enemy.

Something special was stirring in the Portuguese air. And whilst the rest of the world was yet to realize what Jose was conjuring up in his pot of madness, he was about to write himself into the sporting history books. 

One of the greatest chapters we’ve ever read.

Impossible is Nothing: FC Porto

Hype surrounded Jose at every turn, but now it was time to deliver. 

He had a lot to prove being the former manager of their biggest rival. The fans of the two teams literally hate each other. It runs deep in their veins.

Porto's expectations for success were also high, especially given the club's three-year drought without a domestic title. 

Undeterred, Jose embarked on a ruthless and bold approach from the outset. Despite Porto having their weakest team in two generations, he made a bold promise to secure the league title in his first full season.

The conclusion of the 2001/02 campaign became a dedicated effort to establish the groundwork for one of the greatest underdog stories of all time. 

He sought a hungrier style from his players; an English passion mixed with splashes of Portuguese flair. 

In pursuit of this vision, he scoured the market for skilful and character-rich players available at affordable prices. On the training field, he made immediate and wide-ranging reform, implementing a more scientific approach, with every drill measured and designed for a particular purpose. 

The strategy was clear: hard press from the front, leaving nothing to chance. 

Revolutionizing the Portuguese game, one alteration at a time.

True to his promise, Porto clinched the league title in 2003.

More accurately, they totally demolished the field, accruing a record points tally and triumphing in the domestic cup for good measure. 

Their impressive run extended to the early stages of the UEFA Cup.

In European competitions, Jose favoured a direct and aggressive approach, whether through long balls, sudden crosses, or through balls – anything that got the job done. 

Porto's play exhibited elements of craziness and chaos, underscored by an underlying majesty.

Jose, seemingly arrogant and surly before the media, revealed his mastery as Porto progressed. In a tense semi-final against Lazio, they showcased the first of many monumental performances. 

After falling behind in the first leg, they overwhelmed the Italians in the second. Jose’s icy facade melted, revealing him as the master puppeteer orchestrating it all as part of the plan.

In a recurring theme throughout his career, Jose positioned himself as the centre of attention, exuding charisma and becoming an iconic figure. 

Peaking at one of the most famous press conferences ever witnessed in sport. But before that, he had to stamp his name on the map.

Porto, fuelled by his siege mentality, displayed incredible unity and togetherness – Porto against the world.

Jose united his men as spartan soldiers who were ready to die for the cause, protect their brothers with every last ounce of energy, and prove all the doubters wrong.

Now, it was their time for glory.

The UEFA Cup final in Seville featured Celtic as the opposition in a night filled with emotion. 

Despite being vastly outnumbered by 80,000 travelling Celtic Fans, Porto played the game at a breathless pace in a memorable atmosphere. 

The Portuguese maestro, Deco, provided the moment of magic in the 54th minute, setting up Alenichev for a smart finish. 

Larsson levelled the score just three minutes later. With five minutes remaining, Porto reached out, with that Jose backed self belief surging through their veins, and grabbed a slice of history. 

A well-placed pass into the box caused panic, and Derlei slammed the ball home.

The whole team collapsed in a heap of joy. They had done it. 

Triumph in the second biggest European competition for a club with far less financial resources and attraction than the other European giants.

But Jose wasn’t stopping there. He had other ideas.

To this man winning is everything. He was born to be number 1.

The peak of Everest was in his vision: The illustrious Champions League. The greatest club competition in all of world football.

Surely not?

Surely he couldn’t?

As the master of mind games first, he played it down.

In the immediate aftermath of the UEFA Cup celebration, Jose, when questioned about Porto's prospects in the upcoming Champions League campaign, remained pragmatic.

“We can do some nice things,” he said. “But I don’t think we can win it. Only the sharks who can afford to spend 20, 30 or even 40 million euros on one player can do that.”

He didn’t make a splash in the transfer market that summer. Instead, he chose to believe in the spirit and mentality of the squad that went to battle and executed his vision.

He turned down a huge offer to manage Paris Saint-Germain and quietly began plotting the next steps.

In the 70th Primera Liga season, he guided Porto to their 20th title, conceding only 19 goals and finishing eight points ahead of Benfica.

The expectations for Porto to win the Champions League were still minimal, considering their players' limited experience in the competition and their financial constraints.

It’s hard to put into words at the time just how ridiculous this feat would be.

However, Porto surprised many by advancing from a group that included the football giants of Real Madrid, Marseille, and Partizan Belgrade.

Confident as the knockout rounds commenced, Porto faced a formidable challenge in the round of 16 against Manchester United.

Managed by the one and only Sir Alex Ferguson.

The game seemed destined for Porto's defeat until a dramatic turn of events in the 91st minute, where a McCarthy free-kick created a last-gasp opportunity. 

Goalkeeper Tim Howard's error plunged the ball to the feet of the on looking Costinha. With an empty net gaping he smashed the ball home, silencing the Old Trafford crowd and symbolizing the rising of the underdogs.

The Porto players ran into the corner where their travelling Portuguese contingents celebrated with tears of jubilation running down their faces.

And what about the man who put this mastermind together?

The crowd couldn’t believe it as out of the corner of their eyes a man hurtling down the pitch in his suit jacket jumped onto the Porto Players and raised his fists to the Porto fans like a Gladiator in the arena.

Jose had arrived on the big stage. He sent shockwaves through Europe on that Champions League night.

Now though for the impossible.

The two-legged semi-final against Deportivo was the next example of his meticulous, legendary approach to truly gargantuan matches. Of course, the UEFA Cup final was huge, as was the clash with United. But this was different. 

Jose’s drive for victory propelled him to new levels of preparation, fostering remarkable unity and planning for various scenarios. 

Unlike many before him, Jose backed his players – and his vision – to win in the Riazor, Deportivo’s fortress home ground.

The scene was set for a potent smash-and-grab act. It came after an hour when Deco was fouled in the box and Derlei scored the resultant penalty for a critical away goal.

Just like that, after weeks of tinkering in his tactical laboratory, Mourinho had Deportivo in a world of pain, needing two goals in 30 minutes against a robust defence and complimentary midfield. That defence held firm and Porto secured safe passage to the Champions League final. 

Everest, the impossible peak, was looming ever closer.

The other finalists Monaco, upset Chelsea in the other semi, setting up an unlikely final in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. 

Under Didier Deschamps they had a dynamic team, with burgeoning stars such as Patrice Evra and Fernando Morientes in fine form. 

The game got off to a steady start but Carlos Alberto's goal before half-time set the stage for Porto's dominance, with Deco and Alenichev adding two more in the second half. 

The final whistle catalysed a storm of celebration on the field. 

Mourinho, mostly understated, kissed the trophy and held it aloft with a relaxed edge to his demeanour. It was as if he knew this was going to happen all along.

The impossible was complete.

But incredibly, this was only the start of his story.

It was remarkable, but it was over.

He’d won it all.

And Chelsea from the UK, with their new Russian investors, did everything in their power to lure the elusive Jose to the premier league.

It was time for the ‘Special One’ to announce himself on the biggest stage.

The Introduction of The ‘Special One’

FC Porto served as the breeding ground for a visionary manager who defied the limits of possibility with a simple yet masterfully executed ideology. 

It marked the starting point, the birthplace of miracles that would endure through time.

At his first press conference, when asked about his ability Jose responded as the British media looked on in disbelief: "I think I am the Special One". 

A phrase that echoed through Chelsea's Chobham training ground.

During the press conference, Jose, seated alongside a delighted Peter Kenyon, exuded confidence, while Kenyon struggled to contain his joy, smirking like a mischievous schoolboy. 

In contrast, Jose wore a slight frown, gazing contemplatively as he leaned back in his chair.

Responding eloquently to inquiries from the British press, Jose’s command of English left many mesmerized, earning him praise for delivering "pure gold" with each line. 

Scepticism lingered among reporters from rival clubs though, questioning the authenticity of the young, Champions League-winning manager's bold and assured persona, untested in the revered Premier League.

But Mourinho was convinced he had been granted a special gift and was on a mission from God.  

“After God, me,” he stated in another interview before he had even won a game with Chelsea.

It could be argued that this headline's attention struck Roman Abramovich, Chelsea’s owner.

Despite significant spending in the previous summer, Jose insisted on a drastic overhaul, selling ten first-team players shortly after his appointment.

In a football landscape dominated by 4-4-2 formations, Jose revolutionized Chelsea's setup, ensuring three options against two opponents in midfield. 

The introduction of Claude Makélélé, dubbed the team's "battery," patrolling just ahead of the defence, reinforced the middle. 

Many felt Mourinho’s safety-first style might have trouble fitting in with the lightening-quick Premier League and, indeed, his first few games at Chelsea were low-scoring affairs. 

Chelsea went through their first eight matches only conceding one goal and only scored more than once on two occasions in the first ten.

But he still declared that his side would go on to win the league. Some may call his style arrogant, others defiant, but in any case, something resonated with the Chelsea squad.

After nibbling at the heels of the elite just over a decade, Chelsea clinched their first Premier League title under Jose’s guidance, breaking numerous records: most wins, most away wins, most points (95), and fewest goals conceded (15). 

Jose’s tactics ushered Chelsea and the Premier League into a new era characterized by astute analysis, unconventional formations, mind games, and a dominant tactical blueprint, setting the stage for further success.

Despite his young age, José Mourinho had firmly installed himself as one of the greatest in world football.

But now – like Ferguson – he had to add longevity to his successes.

The sleeping giants of Italy were waiting to be awoken.

This was the start of arguably his greatest triumph of all.

Us Against The World: Inter Milan

When leaving Chelsea as a relatively young manager feeling he had much more to give to the game, there were plenty of suitors willing to take a bet on him. 

His tactical nous, European pedigree and overall fanfare was an opportunity too difficult to ignore.

At 44 years old, boasting one Champions League title, four league titles, a UEFA Cup victory, and four cup triumphs across two countries, Mourinho presented an enticing prospect with a guaranteed collection of silverware.

After a ten-month hiatus, Inter Milan emerged as the next chapter in his journey. Despite the presence of legendary names in the squad, many were ageing and struggled to meet his expectations. Additionally, injuries to players covering defensive zones necessitated tactical adjustments.

This often forced Jose to tweak his set-up, switching between his favoured 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-1-2, with the emphasis, once again, being on the defensive side of things.  

In the subsequent season, Inter showcased dominance in the league, winning 14 of their first 19 games. 

As aspirations of a treble loomed large, attention shifted to Europe, where they confronted their most formidable challenge. 

And remember: Jose loves nothing more than proving his doubters wrong.

When Pep Guardiola was given the Barcelona job in 2008 despite having no experience in top-level management, a new grudge was formed between the Portuguese and the Catalan club.

Before joining Inter Jose had looked odds on favourite to join the Spanish giants as manager. With his old ties to the club and fond memories with Sir Bobby Robson, this was rejection at the deepest level.

But boy, would he get the last laugh.

The first leg of the semi-final in the Champions League was the first taste of redemption. 

Barcelona, arguably the best club side in the world at the time, were in top form. 

Six trophies including a treble in the previous year as well as a group of world class footballers at the peak of their powers made them the overwhelming favourites to become the first side in the Champions League era to retain the famous big ears. 

The impending clash between Barcelona and Inter in the Champions League semi-final promised to be a collision of contrasting styles. On one side, Barcelona boasted a free-flowing, super-controlled passing game with a focus on pressing and attacking. On the other, there stood Inter and Jose’s renowned pragmatism – a tactical approach that had already secured trophies in three different countries.

Facing the daunting challenge of combating Lionel Messi, Jose meticulously prepared for the first leg. 

Every opportunity had to be maximized, considering Inter's anticipated lack of possession and limited chances to go forward against Barcelona's persistent passing. 

In a pre-match press conference, Jose characterized the encounter as "a game played with the head more than the feet", setting the stage for a strategic battle. A game of chess.

Against all odds, the first leg ended in a 3-1 victory for Inter, a triumph attributed to the qualities ingrained in the team since Jose took charge: discipline, organization, speed of transitions, and effectiveness. 

It served as a significant setback for Pep Guardiola and was arguably the pinnacle of Jose’s career.

But the best was yet to come.

As the second leg approached, a war of words unfolded. 

The final, set to be hosted at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, presented Barcelona with a unique opportunity to win the cherished prize on their rivals' home turf. 

In a calculated move of psychological warfare, Jose expressed his sentiments ahead of the crucial Champions League clash: 

"We want to follow a dream. But it’s one thing to follow a dream and another to follow an obsession. For Barcelona, it’s an obsession… It’s an obsession you can see and feel. To have a Catalan flag in the Bernabéu is an obsession."

With Inter having their backs against the wall in the Catalan cauldron of a 90,000 strong crowd, Jose was a dynamic presence on the touchline during the game – always on the move, offering instructions.

In the 28th minute, there was a huge setback. Thiago Motta was sent off for an alleged elbow.

A huge advantage in the game of football. Now the ten men of Inter would have to hold on for dear life against one of the greatest sporting sides ever assembled.

The Barcelona fans erupted and Pep Guardiola was growing in confidence.

This is where Mourinho's infamous whisper comes in. He walked up behind Guardiola and said: 

“Don't throw the party, the game is not over.”

Barca managed to claim one back and in the final 10 minutes, the ultimate siege mentality took hold. It was Jose and his 10 soldiers against the world.

The match reached a dramatic conclusion, and Inter emerged victorious. 

Jose ran onto the pitch with his finger pointing in the air looking straight into the eyes of the Barcelona owners who had rejected him.

The underdog had claimed the most unlikely of victories and the Spanish capital, The Santiago Bernabeu awaited them for the final.

Before the final against Bayern Munich in Madrid, speculation was rife. 

The two sides were chasing a treble – they had both won the league and cup in fine fashion, and the Champions League was the final hurdle. 

Inter were fine with seeing less of the ball but making their moments count. They went two goals to the good and for the first time in 45 years, the big ears were set to return to the blue-and-black side of Milan.

It did exactly that. 

The best possible ending to two glorious years in Milan. 

Again proving all the doubters wrong, the special one had once again done the seemingly impossible.

The Inter fans still cherish him deep in their hearts.

A few days after lifting the Champions League trophy in Madrid, it was confirmed that Jose had in fact signed for Real Madrid.

The next stage of the Mourinho-Guardiola saga was about to unfold.

Knocking Pep of his Perch: Real Madrid

When José assumed the role of head coach at Real Madrid in May 2010, the footballing world anticipated a period of success, controversy, and unforgettable moments.

Across three eventful seasons, his tenure with the Galácticos was characterized by intense highs, bitter rivalries, and a complex legacy that remains a topic of discussion among fans and pundits.

In his debut season, Madrid clinched the Copa del Rey, marking their first major trophy in three years. 

The subsequent season witnessed Jose guiding them to a historic La Liga title with a record-breaking 100 points, breaking Barcelona and Guardiola’s domestic dominance and restoring Madrid to the summit of Spanish football. 

This period was defined by consistency, offensive firepower, and tactical acumen, scoring an impressive 121 goals while conceding just 32.

A pivotal moment occurred with their emphatic 1-3 victory at Camp Nou in December 2011, halting Barcelona's 11-game winning streak against them. 

Their home form was impeccable, with a 100% record at the Santiago Bernabéu, making it a fortress that visiting teams found virtually a death wish. 

Cristiano Ronaldo was the talisman of the team, scoring an astonishing 46 goals in La Liga alone. 

The 2011-12 season under José Mourinho will forever be remembered as a glorious chapter in Real Madrid's storied history.

Jose’s tactical brilliance, Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring prowess, and the collective effort of the squad combined to create a season that continues to inspire fans and football enthusiasts alike. 

Sometimes looked upon as a failure, his time at Real Madrid is often misunderstood.

But perhaps the biggest testament of all was the resignation of his bitter rival Pep Guardiola.

Secumming to the intense pressure that Jose created and relentless mind games, Pep left and went on a year’s sabbatical to recover.

While he may not have achieved European glory at Real Madrid, he did win the battle of the mind and knock arguably the manager of the greatest team of all time, Barcelona, of his perch.

After some tumultuous events and fall-outs with key players, he left back to the UK and endured a rough few years.

The best years were behind him and the feeling was everyone had figured him out. He kept on being a nuisance, kept on falling out with players, and wasn’t delivering anymore. 

As they say, nothing great lasts forever.

But whilst it did, Jose Mourinho with his winning mentality, arrogant sway, and magical ability to empower underperforming teams to defy the odds and achieve the impossible, is something the world will never forget.

A true underdog who became a sporting Goliath through the power of self belief.

Hated, adored, but never ignored.

Jose Mourinho: The Special One.

David to Goliath Action Items

1) Make Bold Promises: The fear of failing holds most back from voicing what they think they can actually achieve. But if you bet big and deliver you will build your reputation on a level most can’t comprehend. Just like Jose, don’t be afraid to bet big, stand by what you believe in and work relentlessly to figure out a way to make it happen.

2) Empower Your People: A great team will always outperform the most talented individual. If you take the time to understand each individual on a deep personal level, what makes them tick, how to press their buttons, it’s extraordinary what you can accomplish. Be that one person who empowers people, makes them believe they’re extraordinary and push them to heights they never imagined in their wildest dreams.

3) Never Negotiate Internal Standards: When you achieve something great complacency becomes your biggest enemy. When Mourinho won the UEFA cup with Porto many would have stopped but not Jose. He set his sights on Everest and held the team to his internal standards, pushing them to lift the Champions League and defy what many called impossible. Hold on to your internal standards at all costs.

4) Embrace The Underdog: Others will always doubt you because when you achieve success, it highlights the insecurities in them. But you always have a choice. You can either back down to external opinion or soak it up and let it drive you forward to accomplish monumental feats, whilst the crowd impatiently wait to see you fall. Remember the best revenge is massive success but no one is going to believe in you for you. David becomes Goliath from within.

5) Staying True to Yourself: As you navigate through the complexities of leadership, external influences may attempt to mould you into someone you're not. Yet, like Mourinho, who stayed true to his tactical identity regardless of the pressures, your integrity and authenticity keep you grounded and unwavering in your journey towards greatness. So be unapologetically you, embrace your uniqueness and let it shine as you carve your path to success.

In the spirit of The Special One, this is your call to dream like a giant.

But fight and believe in those dreams like a god damn underdog baby!

I’ll see you next week.

Yours truly,

-Nigel Thomas

P.S. Ready to escape the life of mediocrity?

Here are 5 resources to get you ahead:

1. 90-Day Agency Mentoring with Nigel

2. The David to Goliath Podcast

3. Daily entrepreneur insights on LinkedIn

4. How to Build Your Business FlyWheel

5. How Aaron Turned His Last $4,000 Into $48M