Four masters and their methods: Part-2, Jose Mourinho

By Anthony Hudson, Real Maryland FC Head Coach

What do Fabio Capello, Jose Mourinho, Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger all have in common? On the surface there are about ninety-three trophies between them all, which include Premier League titles, Serie A titles, Champions League, UEFA Cup and FA Cup, and many others. And if that isn’t enough to get your interest, how about if I take a look at each of these masters of the coaching world, to see how their experiences can benefit other coaches.

I am aware that this article is biased. I am looking at areas and places that I think can be used in order to help you become a better coach. This article is not meant to describe their careers.

[ + Click here to read Part-1, Fabio Cappello ]

Part-2, Jose Mourinho

“We have top players, and I'm sorry I'm a bit arrogant, we have a top manager. I am the European champion. I think I am special.”

And special he is!

“As entertaining as the Premier League is, the majority of the managers don’t do to much in terms of inspiring the public. Post game interviews and press conferences filled with clichés and predictability seem to be the norm. Finally, when Jose Mourinho came along and uttered the above words you knew he was different. Almost as if an actor on stage, he leaves everyone, including his players, with something to talk about. His comments are thought provoking and at times a whole lot more! He uses his pre and post match words not just to speak to the man with the mike, but his players, other managers in the league and football’s governing bodies all over. What he displays 100% of the time is a complete and utter knowing and confidence in his own ability as a coach and as a manager. He is not afraid to speak his mind and can back it up with performance and results.

Deco once said that ‘there are many coaches with the same ability as Mourinho, but no one works as hard as him.’ As coaches what does that do for you? How can that affect you? Here’s a man, who after an unfulfilled playing career, declared out loud that he would strive to become the ‘best coach in the world’. If he’s not there yet, he’s on his way and getting close. Former coaches of Barcelona, Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal, whom Mourinho assisted, both commented on how Mourinho’s work was first class. His scouting and match reports were the best ‘bar none’, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, characteristics of each player, how he would play against them and on and on. He ‘listened, learned, looked, remembered. He was bright, alert and intelligent.’ Robson said. How very simple. This quote says it all and is filled with insight that is a lesson to all coaches.

Hard work is definitely at the heart of what this great coach is all about. And a trait that is thrown around so much today is Attention to Detail. Everyone uses it, commentators, coaches, assistant coaches, and general managers. I met a former colleague of Mourinho’s and asked what was the one thing he learned from him. He said without hesitation, ‘he was the Champion of Details.’ So what are the details? I would say the characteristics Bobby Robson was talking about certainly lead to this quality of paying attention to details. The details can be seen in how he prepares for games, handing personalized (well edited) DVDs to his players before games, showing the opposing players they’ll be marking, the type of runs they make, their strengths and weaknesses and more. His training methods, his use of the training field, of pitch sizes, amount of players, how he incorporates his fitness coach, his communication with his owners, the press – everything meticulous and with a purpose. The amount of detail he puts into scouting and preparing for games. The way he transmits his message to his players, leaving them to walk into games knowing they are already a step ahead. ‘He has a knack of transmitting his amazing confidence. He drums it in every day that you’re the best.’, said Frank Lampard.

As Mourinho says of himself, ‘I have complete confidence in myself. I am not afraid of the future. I know I can make a difference.’ Say no more!

Coaching Lessons from Mourinho
   - Have confidence in your ability – 100% of the time.
   - Be un-predictable - learn to act (keep people on their toes).
   - Take care of the details – prepare your team well.
   - Be bright. Be alert. Be intelligent. Be ambitious. Be confident.’
   - Work hard.
       - ‘There are many coaches with the same ability, but NO ONE works as hard as him.’ Deco. Can you let this statement influence you?

Editor's Note: Article courtesy of the author, Anthony Hudson, Head Coach of Real Maryland FC, a USL-2 professional team playing in Rockville, MD. Come back next week for "Part-3, Alex Ferguson."