Today the Daily Telegraph released an exclusive interview by their reporter Mick Brown with Jose Mourinho.
Social media has been awash with shares and comments since it’s release but I want to pick up on one of the side issues raised by this excellent interview.
The Daily Telegraph also gave their version of Jose Mourinho’s best XI that he has managed, here’s my thoughts on their selection and why.
Jose Mourinho’s Best XI
Goal Keeper: Petr Cech
No explanation needed, simply the best! He started as understudy to Carlo Cudicini 10 years ago, Carlo got injured, Petr took his chance and has never looked back!
Defense:
LB: William Gallas.
This may appear to be a surprising choice but before it all went sour with his transfer request Gallas was one of the main cornerstones of the Chelsea FC defense that only conceded 15 goals and kept the most clean sheets (25) in the entire 2004/05 Premier League season. He was equally adept at LB or filling in at CB when required.
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CB: Ricardo Carvalho.
Jose Mourinho loved Carvalho’s athleticism which when paired up with a more physical centre half beside him worked extremely effectively, as testified to again with the 2004/05 Chelsea FC season results. Jose liked Carvalho so much as a player that he signed him for Chelsea FC from their old club Porto, tried to take him to Inter Milan in 2009 and finally reunited with him again at Real Madrid the following year.
CB: John Terry.
What more can be said about Chelsea FC’s Captain, Leader and Legend? The rock of Chelsea’s defence and the one that Jose has always relied on to get his philosophy across to the players both on and off the pitch.
RB: Javier Zanetti.
The first of only 3 non Chelsea FC players in the 11, but one that Jose has always declared his admiration for. That admiration was reciprocated by Zanetti himself when he said of Jose, “Mourinho was a winner who took care of every detail and his two years will remain in the hearts of all Inter fans”
Midfield:
DM: Claude Makelele.
There was only ever going to be one contender for this role, indeed this player had the role named after him! It is of course Claude Makelele, the battery in Jose’s watch. Makelele was teased about his fear of the opponent’s half but oh boy did he protect his defense! My fondest memory of Makelele which showed him in his true humble light was at an open day at Stamford Bridge, all the players drove up in their expensive cars and Makelele arrived with his car on the back of an AA breakdown truck looking suitably sheepish!
CM: Frank Lampard.
Aug 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard (8) takes a shot that resulted in a goal against AS Roma during the second half at RFK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Again there was never any doubt that Super Frank would make Jose’s first XI. Top goalscorer for Chelsea FC with 211 in all competitions, 4th highest appearance maker for Chelsea FC and together with John Terry and Petr Cech again formed the spine of Chelsea FC upon Jose’s return.
CM: Mezut Ozil.
This selection surprised me at first, but then considering that Jose said of Ozil in 2013 “There is no copy of him – not even a bad one. He is the best number 10 in the world.” it shouldn’t be that much of a shock. Despite Ozil’s stuttering topsy turvy time at Arsenal it appears their respect for each other is mutual too.
Attack:
LW: Eden Hazard.
Eden Hazard was always going to be a shoe in for the left wing slot in Jose’s XI, in fact I would be surprised if he wasn’t in every sane thinking man or woman’s first XI. Hazard has blossomed even more under Jose’s tutelage, yet is extremely down to earth and a genuine “Mr Nice Guy”.
RW: Christiano Ronaldo
Jose once said of Ronaldo “If Messi is the best on the planet, Ronaldo is the best in the universe.” and I think that sums up Jose’s thoughts on the egotistical yet brilliant Ronaldo.
Credit: Rayand — Wikimedia Commons
CF: Didier Drogba.
No Jose first XI team would be complete without Drogba leading the line, hassling defenders and scoring cup final goals! Drogba has a banner at Stamford Bridge which rightly says “Drogba Legend”
So that according to The Daily Telegraph is Jose Mourinho’s First Choice XI.
Would it be yours?
Would you put Casillas ahead of Cech?
Would you have Ashley Cole ahead of Gallas?
Would Ivanovic be in your XI ahead of Zanetti?
Perhaps Ballack ahead of Ozil, or maybe Robben ahead of Hazard?
Let us know your thoughts using the comment section below.