Making a manager

Photography by Tom Oldham

Jose Mourinho

Porto, 2002-2004

"I was born on a day where my father had a match. My daughter was born when I had a match. And my son was born when I had a match. That has been my life"

In the first of a three-part series of exclusive stories with The Coaches’ Voice, José Mourinho reflects on the beginnings of his career as a coach. Starting with the 12-year-old boy who would produce analyses on his father’s team, Mourinho also explains why he was better suited to life off the pitch than on it, and reveals why working at a club with small resources played a crucial role in his successes at Porto.

He tells the story of Porto’s memorable UEFA Cup final against Celtic, and details what he believes was key to following that success with winning the Champions League final 12 months later. Finally, he recalls a meeting the night before Porto’s last-16 encounter with Manchester United that showed him that his route to the Premier League was already clear.

Author: Tony Hodson

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