Mourinho wins first battle on Chelsea return

It came very late in the game, yet one of the pivotal moments of his media conference, like scoring an injury time winner. Like Hernan Crespo’s stunner in the last minute of Chelsea’s season opener at Wigan in August 2005. You know how sweet that feels, for any fan. Jose Mourinho met what appeared to be the most sensitive query with a trademark charismatic line.

When probed about his weakness, he said: “You don't speak about weaknesses with your enemy, and my enemy will read the papers and watch television. We hide our weaknesses. Every player, manager has weaknesses. You have to try to hide them. So I'm not giving that chance for the enemy... with respect because, in sports, an enemy is not really an enemy. I know my weakness but not much, not many.”

That was a pointer to his unrepentant swagger and ridiculous confidence, a clear message of readiness, and the commencement of the plot to conquer his rivals.  Albeit the Portuguese appeared to be calmer in poise but nothing has really changed in his personality. He kept the media guessing most of the times and made rivals felt ‘was that all about the noise of his press conference?’ 250 journalists were present, yet he ensured he didn't give too much away while still delivering his words articulately.

Then take for instance an attempt to drag him early into the fate of John Terry who had troubled times under the Blues interim manager, Rafa Benitez in the just ended season, Jose masterfully offered a double-header reply to quench the media thirst, instantly.

He said: “For me, not one word about Benitez's decisions, either on John or another player. What I can say is about the future, and the future is to meet John in the first week of July, try to get the best out of him. I know what he can give. I try to get the best, let's try to make him again a very important player that he couldn't be last season. But Benitez's decisions are Benitez's decisions.’

With that, he killed the potential of throwing up headlines about Benitez, and in the same breathe warned Terry and other senior players, with whom he had worked during his first stint, that the ‘untouchable era’ is over, adding, “all my decisions are based on meritocracy.”

Mourinho had started the show with a new sobriquet, announcing: "I think I'm the happy one" in response to a question about whether he still considered himself The Special One. Surely he threw a stone to kill two birds there: pouring cold water to the so-called 'unsuccessful' adventure at Real Madrid and at the same time reminding his critics his unhappiness in Spain has vanished with his return to Chelsea.”

In a sublime tone accompanied by a charming smile that had often been missing during his tumultuous moments at the Bernabeu, Mourinho insists, “I’m humble. Sometimes it looks like I'm not, but I am.”

 In response to suggestions he's a calmer figure than the man who appeared at his media debut for Chelsea in 2004, he suggested his cocky approach was needed at the time to remind the local media in England that he was no rookie in the game.

“When I arrived here in 2004 you pushed me a lot in that first press conference to have a strong approach, and in this moment the situation is different. You know me. You know my history in the British game, and the European game, so I don't think I need that approach.”

The former Inter Milan boss still had time to deliver a stinger to Barcelona following claims by midfielder Andreas Iniesta that he had ‘damaged’ the game in Spain. “‘I damaged Spanish football by being the manager that broke Barcelona dominance. They were dominant, and dominant, and dominant, and it looked like dominance without an end. Real Madrid won a cup final against Barcelona, Real Madrid won the Super Cup against Barcelona, Real Madrid won in Barcelona, and Real Madrid won the championship, which is the historic championship of 100 points and 121 goals. I hurt them, I hurt them.”

Mourinho also navigated the question regarding the fate of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne-both of were away on loan deals last season with grace. ‘I think it's fair that the players are the first ones to know about their future, and to know about their future by their manager, by their club, and not by the media. But, as you are Belgian and I don't want you to go home without a little answer, they are the type of players Chelsea have invested a lot into in the past, and it's my work to extract the best from those investments. Both of them are ready to come and be ready for my squad.’

The mellowness of a tiger is no indication of cowardice, says an African proverb. Don’t ever mistake Jose’s calmness for a change of personality in his quest to succeed again with Chelsea. The battle started at Monday’s conference and his message is lucid enough that he is up for the fight, albeit a greater challenge, this time around.

Yes he seems more mature now, but he won’t change. Mourinho is back!