In a discussion involving the best managers of our current generation, the name ‘Jose Mourinho‘ is sure to pop up. Such is the pedigree of the Portuguese coach that he continues to get poached by elite-level clubs, even at the ripe old age of 58. Having managed nine teams up till now, Mourinho is nearing the 1,000th game of his managerial career with AS Roma.
The enigmatic tactician began his journey as a coach with Portuguese giants Benfica in 2000, having initially served as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal at Barcelona. Mourinho later joined the Eagles’ arch-rivals, Porto, where he famously led the Dragões to Champions League glory in 2004. This historic feat put Mourinho on the map, with his defensive style of play garnering much praise from top-level managers.
However, the Portuguese’s defining moment arguably came when he was appointed the Chelsea manager in 2007. Mourinho went on to shatter numerous records with the Blues, creating a defensive dynasty at Stamford Bridge. A treble with Inter and a dominant period with Real Madrid followed before two underwhelming spells with Manchester United and Tottenham left his reputation in the balance.
Mourinho took a hiatus from the Premier League and returned to Serie A with Roma ahead of the 2021-22 season. With ongoing talks of the decline of his conservational play, Mourinho still has time to silence his critics. With I Giallorossi, the two-time Champions League winner has the chance to revamp his tactics in an equally defensive Italian league.
Roma sit in third place at the time of writing, having won their two opening games in emphatic fashion. They take on eighth-place Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday in what will be Jose Mourinho’s 1,000th competitive game as a manager.
