Special One 1.2: Jose's Record

It was a tragic occasion at the Bernabeu last night. After nine years, four teams, four leagues and numerous awards, countless titles, and a peer-less record in the Champions League, Jose Mourinho's far-fetched winning streak, one that began all those years ago in Portugal and ended at the Santiago Bernabeu last night, sadly against a Sporting de Gijon team that Jose Mourinho had so many run-ins with early this season, came to an end. The flags of all madridismo are at half-mast. There is wailing at the walls of Giuseppe Meazza. Chelsea fans are stopping for a moment of silence. The Dragao is empty of happiness.

Well, let's not get that carried away. It is an unbelievable record. It is doubtful that anyone today will ever conceive of a manner in which so many teams, playing in that many competitions, saddled with an amazing array of players, personalities and ownership structures, are going to be put under the leadership of one man, one system and one technical staff, to dominate their respective leagues. Granted, Jose Mourinho is still in the infant stage of making Real Madrid a powerhouse to match what he did with Chelsea, FC Porto and Inter Milan, but he may well have in Spain if not for the dominance of FC Barcelona; eliminate FC Barcelona and this Real Madrid squad coasts. Unfortunately, if Jose's past record is any clue, we are a year away from the best that los blancos, can exhibit. He gets results nontheless.

Does he have his detractors? No one who wins that much ever skates by pleasing everyone, but his often caustic nature when the cameras are on, make him few friends. It is doubtful that Arsene Wenger, Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti, or especially ex-Chelsea coach Carlo Ranieri are less than ecstatic that their old-enemy has tripped up. I'm far from being his biggest fan and even I hail his achievement.

There is plenty to criticize him about, with this game and for his philosophy in general, but that is for another time. Right now let's raise a glass of cava. Come on, I'm in a toasting mood, lift up a glass for Jose Mourinho and know that that's probably the last time you're ever going to read me toasting the "Special One" ever again.

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