Mourinho Hours From England Job, Better fit than Capello?
Jose Mourinho who holds a special place in the hearts of most neutral English football fans has revealed over the weekend that he very nearly became England manager in 2007 when Steve McLaren departed the post. Instead Fabio Capello took charge, qualified at a canter and then saw his team eliminated from the World Cup with barely a whimper.
Jose Mourinho, one of the few managers of a so-called big four side to appeal to fans from other teams was having in-depth talks with the English FA but decided against the job at the last minute as there would not be enough games to keep him occupied.
For a man so intent on detail and forming bonds with his players it is plain to see that international management would have been the wrong call for the Special One. Would it have been the right call for England though?
Fabio Capello was walking on water when he arrived and immediately stamped down his authority on a squad that lacked leadership, direction and responsibility. Players were taking liberties and were treating the international stage as a getaway with the boys rather than the pinnacles of their careers.
The Italian introduced strict discipline and qualified with ease beating Croatia home and away and scoring eight goals against the scourge of the previous regime. Ghosts were exercised and once again the English press banged their drums and the nation waited for the World Cup with renewed optimism.
The World Cup was a mess and it is hear that Mourinho would have made the difference. The Special One forms strong bonds with his players who trust him implicitly. Mourinho would have controlled the atmosphere in South Africa and would certainly have ensured England topped their group.
Against the very best it is unlikely a one-paced England side could have competed but with Mourinho bringing the group of egos together like only he can they would not have headed home with their tails so firmly between their legs.
For Mourinho the story goes on and he will no doubt return to the Premier League before completing his journey managing his home country Portugal. For the man who wants to win everything the England job would have been a painful poisoned chalice.
