Mourinho drops 'special one' tag


Jose Mourinho said he was a "great coach" but insisted he no longer wanted to be special at his unveiling as Inter Milan's new manager.

Mourinho, who announced himself to English football as the "special one" when he became Chelsea boss, takes over at Inter from Roberto Mancini.

"I have arrived to a special club and I believe I am a great coach but I don't want to be special," said Mourinho.

"I am Mourinho - period. I don't change. I'm the same person as before."

"I have always believed that I would like to work in Italy and at a great club," he said.

"I want to thank (Inter president) Massimo Moratti and (sporting director) Marco Branca that have given me this opportunity."

Mourinho has signed a three-year deal with Inter and the 45-year-old succeeds Mancini, who was sacked after leading the club to a third consecutive Serie A title last season.

The modest Mourinho who presented himself to Italian football however was far removed from the self-assured and brash young manager who made such a spectacular entrance at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho gave himself the tag as the "Special One" during his first news conference at Chelsea and illuminated the Premier League with his forceful personality and bravado.

His boasts were matched with plenty of silverware - two Premier League titles, two league cups and one FA Cup - but a reported "falling out" with owner Roman Abramovich resulted in his exit on 20 September 2007.

Mourinho's experience with Abramovich and Moratti's hands-on approach at the San Siro may have forced the former Porto coach to remodel his approach and become more of a politician.

But the Portuguese gave a glimpse of the old Mourinho, adding: "For me this is a very important challenge but I believe that it could be very enjoyable also for you (the media)."

BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Mourinho drops 'special one' tag

Inter Milan are like the Holland of international football. They are serious under achivers. If you look at the squads they have had over the years you would think that they would of been competing at the top level year after year.

Mancini did a good job winning Inter the League, as it was a long time coming ( however I may have to disregard there first title win, because they only won it because Juventus and co were penalised).

It will be interesting to see what he does at Inter. In my opinion Inter have a squad capable of winning the Champions League, the problem will be getting the team to adapt there style when playing teams from other countries. They seem fine in the Scudetto, but when you see them play in europe they seem slack.

Does anyone think he will make a move for Drogba?

To be honest with you, I see a move for Drogba, Deco, and Carvahlo from Chelsea. I also see a move for Deco.

Drogba would be the perfect hold up man in this league because he is strong enough to hold off defenders and none of them in that league can catch him. Deco would give Inter an attacking mid and carvalho just defensive safety.

Judge J you did hit the nail on the head with these guys though