From Special One to 'yes man': why Jose is fast becoming the new Pele

By John Cross

Published 00:00 31/03/11

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Jose Mourinho has become something of a Pele figure.

Before every major tournament, the Brazilian legend goes round the world making marketing stop-offs in different countries.

'Can England win the World Cup, Pele?' 'Yes, of course.' And there's your headline.

From England to Egypt, Cameroon to Canada and Finland to the Faroes, Pele's happy to back them all and be Mr Rent-a-Quote.

We love him because he's a football icon. He's also a thoroughly nice man who will never say no.

'Can Chile win the World Cup?' 'Of course, they can.' The Santiago Sun's back page: 'Pele tips Chile!' Thanks again.

Sadly, Pele has become a bit of a giggle among us journalists. And Mourinho is in danger of going the same way.

Mourinho was, he said this week, "hours away" from taking the England job. Then he gives an interview in France and gets asked about French football and French footballers.

Next, Jose goes to Italy and admits that one day he'd like to work in Serie A again. Two days later, he's declaring that Real Madrid is still the biggest and best club in the world, even if it has its problems.

Mourinho also wants to come back to the Premier League, get the Portugal job and win the Champions League with at least three more clubs.

He is, after all, the Special One and is genuinely a brilliant manager.

He's also a brilliant interviewee and can be superb value at a press conference. However, he can also be awful, moody and duck press conferences for weeks on end - as seen at Chelsea.

Mourinho is great copy and good value when he talks, but even he is in danger of becoming diluted.

'Want to manage Crewe Alexandra?' 'Yes, of course.'

Thanks, Pele... er, I mean, Jose.

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