Modest Mourinho bids for Coppa Italia title
In a rare public display of modesty, Inter Milan boss José Mourinho has claimed that he doesn’t regard himself as the best after all. However, he could move a significant step closer to becoming the greatest this month: starting with victory over Roma in the Coppa Italia Final this evening.
The Nerazzurri, under the self-proclaimed “Special One” are in the hunt for an historic treble; although Mourinho himself was quick to point out during the pre-match press conference that he’s won three trophies in one season in the past with Porto.
"I don't consider myself the best, but one who gives his best and goes home after every game and sleeps well, because I always give my best," the outspoken Portuguese coach said.
It didn’t take long for him to revert to his typically brash self, though. Just moments after surprising the listening journalists with those unusually coy comments, he went on to announce: "We have arrived in the final of the Coppa Italia, the final of the Champions League and we're in the race for the Scudetto until the last game, so I don't ask for respect, I demand it."
Which was a relief, as those listening to the former Chelsea manager must have been momentarily concerned they’d entered a parallel universe.
Mourinho’s relationship with Italian football has been a rocky one to say the least; and it’s quite possible that May will be his last month in Serie A before heading to Spain’s Primera Liga.
But he can bow out in the most emphatic possible fashion by winning the three big trophies – the most important of which is the elusive Champions League – starting with the Coppa Italia, tonight.
It’s been a two-horse race for most of the season at the top of Italy’s top-flight domestic league. Mourinho’s predecessor at Chelsea, Claudio Ranieri, has transformed Roma’s fortunes this season, with the race for the title set to go to the wire.
If Roma are to win the Serie A title this season, however, they will have to rely on Inter slipping-up in their final league matches. Because of this, Ranieri may view tonight as his side’s best chance of winning a major trophy this season.
Alongside Juventus, Roma are the most successful club in Italy’s most coveted cup competition with nine trophies to their name; and the Tinkerman believes his side stands every chance of reaching double figures with a win over Mourinho’s men.
Tonight’s final will be contested at Roma’s home ground, the Stadio Olimpico - a venue that’s been somewhat of a fortress for the Giallorossi throughout the current campaign, as Inter Milan can vouch for. Back in March, the Coppa Italia finalists beat Mourinho’s side 2-1 in front of over 70,000 at the former Olympic stadium.
Ranieri will be hoping for a repeat display of solidarity, hard-work and commitment this evening; but he will need to outwit the master-tactician for a second time - the man who recently pulled off one of the greatest feats of the Champions League campaign against Barcelona.
With 10 men for the majority of the match, Mourinho – complete with his favoured siege mentality - ensured every one of his players were up for the fight, camped inside their own area and defending for their lives against Barça’s multitude of stars.
It duly paid off. And Mourinho wildly celebrated as if he’d just won the competition. He may be more composed this evening if Inter lift the Coppa Italia – after all, it is considered the least important of the three trophies.
However, it’s still imperative that Mourinho wins this prize to keep up the momentum; while also keeping the Nerazzurri’s dream of a remarkable treble alive.
He may have claimed that he’s not the best; but in his mind, he almost certainly believes that he is. And a treble in Italy this season would undoubtedly cement the 47-year-old’s status among the greatest managers of all time before he moves on to pastures new.
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