He may not be the most likeable person or play the most beautiful football, but he consistently achieves success. Look at his resume. From demolishing the Premier League with Chelsea to winning European titles with Porto and Inter to his time at Real Madrid and trophies at a shattered Manchester United....CONTINUE READING
Players who commit themselves entirely to Mourinho’s system are rewarded. Many players have received the “Mourinho stamp of approval” over the years, and many of them have gone on to successful careers, often crediting his guidance as a key factor in their success.
1. Diego Milito
Despite being one of Italy’s most reliable goal scorers, Milito was mostly overlooked among Europe’s best strikers. Before joining Inter in 2009, he hadn’t had the chance at a top side despite his impressive resume, but he certainly didn’t waste his opportunity.
His career blossomed under Mourinho’s tutelage, with him scoring the game-winning goal in the Coppa Italia final against Roma, sealing the Scudetto title against Siena, and scoring twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. Career high point for the Argentine, who found inspiration in the work of the Portuguese maestro.
2. Wesley Sneijder
It’s hard to believe that in 2009, the Dutch playmaker who was the engine behind Mourinho’s three-peat at Inter was sitting on the bench at Real Madrid, waiting for the Spanish club to receive offers. The former Ajax midfielder was acquired by Inter at a low price and immediately matched with a coach who could coax the most out of him.
Sneijder’s club form translated to leading his country to the final of the 2010 World Cup, and he finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting that year, behind only Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi.
3. Tammy Abraham
After falling out of favour at Chelsea, Mourinho tried to lure Abraham to Serie A by calling him from Rome. Abraham joined Roma in preparation for the 2021–22 season, and he has thrived in Italy.
Abraham, who Mourinho has placed at the top of his starting XI, has flourished as Roma’s outstanding player. This may be the beginning of a very remarkable relationship.
4. Samuel Eto’o
Even though Eto’o had scored many goals for Barcelona before Pep Guardiola took over, it was evident that he wasn’t part of the Catalan club’s plans under the new manager.
After winning the Champions League twice with Barca, the Cameroonian joined Inter Milan in 2009 and, under Jose Mourinho, won the third trophy in the championship.
5. Cesc Fabregas
Like Sneijder, Fabregas needed a way out of Spain’s top two in 2014, thus Mourinho used the money from David Luiz’s sale to sign the former Arsenal captain. He became the new deep-lying maestro of the Chelsea club, creating 18 assists in 34 league appearances as the Blues raced to the title.
