Jose Mourinho press conference: “I am the happy one”

Jose Mourinho was officially unveiled as the new manager of Chelsea FC for the second time on Monday afternoon. In front of the British Press for the first time since 2004, Mourinho claimed he was now “the happy one” as he begins a new four-year-deal at Stamford Bridge.

“I am the happy one,” said Mourinho at a press conference in front of 250 members of the world’s media.”

“Lots of things happen in professional life and I have the same nature, I’m the same person, same heart and same kind of emotions relating to passion for football and the job.”

“I describe myself as a very happy person. I already love the club and this time it is a new kind of feeling.”

It was in stark contrast to nine years previous, when Mourinho was the self-proclaimed know-it-all of the football world. This time around the two-time Champions League winner was more subdued and honest in his assessment of his own credentials.

He added: “My beginning in 2000 when I managed for first time, I was thinking I knew everything, after 13 years you know you know nothing and you have to learn every day. Same personality, same nature but different perspective.”

“Experience in life is something very important especially if you use it in the right way. In football I analyse myself every day.”

“I am the same but you know nine years is a big difference. When I arrive here in 2004, in first press conference you pushed me a lot to have a stronger approach, now the situation is different, you know me in the English game, so now you do not need to push me for that approach.”

“I feel very calm and feel very comfortable and I’m just sorry the pre-season doesn’t start tomorrow.”

There was a freshness to Mourinho’s attitude and a level of self-awareness that did not bespoke a man of pure arrogance and self-obsession.

Back in 2007, the departure of Jose Mourinho from Chelsea came as a surprise to many – amid reports that relationships between the owner and manager had disintegrated.

But the Portugese boss was quick to rebuff any misdemeanour with Roman Abramovich.

Mourinho claimed: “There was no break in relations, this is why I am here today. It would not be possible if there was break down in relations.”

“One of the points for me is that my relation has to be private, not just with him (Abramovich) also with the board, privacy is crucial. The point is we all want the same, in the same direction. It is a moment where we have maturity, very good feelings and same perspectives for the club.”

Rivalries were always an entertaining factor with the former Porto coach and the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson. When asked his thoughts on Sir Alex’s departure from English football, Mourinho was “disappointed” that he would be going back to Old Trafford not being able lock horns with Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Premier League has certainly got a colourful character back, but who – if anyone – will Mourinho get into heated words with?

A new found focus seems alive in Mourinho. He was coy throughout and approached each topic in a manner more befitting of a man who was used to handling the British press.

“Chelsea has to focus in every competition; we cannot say this one is more important than the other one, I think everyone is important.”

“By having 108 Champions League matches and so many consecutive seasons in the Champions League it is not when your best team is in the best moment, sometimes you win it and you don’t know why you win it and when you lose it you do not know why you lose it.”

Certainly perceivable that Jose did not want to dwell on how teams win important games but how winning is important in every competition.

Before re-joining Chelsea, Jose Mourinho won major trophies at Inter Milan and Real Madrid. He returns to the Bridge after a nine-year absence.

Thomas Bradley, football correspondent 
Photos: Alberto Martinez