Behold The Mourinho Identity: maniacally self-serving but essentially unbroken | Barney Ronay

Despite defeat with Fenerbahce, history is being kind to flawed revolutionary and his two underdog Champions League titles
There was an early moment of excitement at the start of Thursday night’s meeting of Rangers and the José Mourinho industrial entertainment complex (Fenerbahce branch). As the players lined up on the Ibrox pitch Mourinho was caught by the TV cameras leaning forward on his bench, rubbing his hands, looking up to salute the watching world because of course being watched is always the game.
The most significant part of this tableau was Mourinho’s coat, which was ludicrous. This was a statement coat, a coat that looked as if it was given to him by the emperor of Sylvia with a ruby in each pocket. The key detail was its colour, a shade of grey so unnatural its only function is to tell you this garment cost as much as a tenement house, the whole thing finished in a weirdly natureless luxury fur, like a dictator’s dressing gown. Frankly, the coat was a brilliantly played opening gambit, a one-goal start on the night.
Continue reading...Topics
-
Mourinho hits out at ref and VAR after loss to Rangers
Jose Mourinho claimed Fenerbahce were the "better side by far" despite being knocked out the Europa League by Rangers and hopes his side being denied three penalties at Ibrox is "just random" and ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Rangers down angry Mourinho's Fenerbahce to reach Europa League quarters
Jack Butland was the hero as Rangers held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to dump Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce out of the Europa League and reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.It was Rangers who ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Amorim persists and gives United fans a glimpse of a working plan | Barney Ronay
After the pre-match protests about the owners, Amorim saw his wing-backs combine in what could be a taste of things to come. With 53 minutes gone at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s home support ...The Guardian - 5d -
What is wrong with Arsenal finishing second? Maybe the answer is: nothing | Barney Ronay
No new striker, too many injuries, too intense – the supposed fatal flaws in Mikel Arteta’s team ignore their consistent success. One of the problems with sport, imported from heartwarming mid-90s ...The Guardian - 6d -
Rangers 'running on adrenaline' in Old Firm clash - Halliday
Thursday night's Europa League victory over Fenerbahce won't have any bearing on Sunday's Old Firm, says former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday. Despite taking a 3-1 league into the second leg at ...Yahoo Sports - 57m -
Kansas botches chance at Big 12 Tournament underdog role as Arizona cruises past Jayhawks in quarterfinals
The same issues that plagued Bill Self's team all season were on display Thursday night against the WildcatsCBS Sports - 1d -
Jose Mourinho hits out at ‘arrogant’ referee over Fenerbahce loss to Rangers
The Portuguese boss was left upset after claiming his side deserved three penalties over 120 minutes before the Scottish side triumphed on penaltiesYahoo Sports - 1d -
Gonzaga wins WCC tourney title, 20th under Few
Gonzaga avenged two regular-season losses to Saint Mary's, defeating the 19th-ranked Gaels 58-51 in the West Coast Conference Tournament championship on Tuesday night, the 22nd league tourney title ...ESPN - 3d -
Liverpool vs. PSG how to watch, odds, start time: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 picks, prediction
Jon Eimer locked in his best bets for Tuesday's PSG vs. Liverpool UEFA Champions League match in the Round of 16 on Paramount+CBS Sports - 3d
More from The Guardian
-
Ukraine war live: Putin response to peace plan ‘not good enough’, says UK, as international militaries prepare to meet in London
Representatives from numerous international militaries will meet in London on Thursday, says UK prime minister. Few resonant phrases are repeated in politics without a deliberate reason, and Keir ...The Guardian - 15m -
Protesters march in Belgrade at huge rally against Serbian president
Authorities in capital make apparent attempt to disrupt demonstration by cancelling public transport. Tens of thousands of people from across Serbia have joined an anti-corruption rally in ...The Guardian - 26m -
Notable Tesla investor says he hopes Musk’s government role is ‘short-lived’
Christopher Tsai retains faith in carmaker’s earnings potential despite backlash that has seen its shares take a hit. A devoted investor in Elon Musk ’s Tesla – and once a close childhood friend ...The Guardian - 5h -
‘Spreadsheets of empire’: red tape goes back 4,000 years, say scientists after Iraq finds
Ancient Mesopotamian stone tablets show extraordinary detail and reach of government in cradle of world civilisations. The red tape of government bureaucracy spans more than 4,000 years, according ...The Guardian - 2h -
‘Brain pacemakers’: implants to be tested to help alcohol and opioid addicts
Trial will determine whether electrical pulses can control and decrease yearnings. Surgeons are to put implants into the brains of alcoholics and opioid addicts in a trial aimed at testing the use ...The Guardian - 1h
More in World
-
Italy v Ireland: Six Nations 2025 – live
Latest from the Stadio Olimpico (2.15pm kick-off, GMT) Get in touch: you can mail Alex with your comments 1 min: Italy win their first lineout and look to test the visiting defence early on, ...The Guardian - 15m -
Ukraine war live: Putin response to peace plan ‘not good enough’, says UK, as international militaries prepare to meet in London
Representatives from numerous international militaries will meet in London on Thursday, says UK prime minister. Few resonant phrases are repeated in politics without a deliberate reason, and Keir ...The Guardian - 15m -
Manchester City v Brighton, Everton v West Ham and more football: clockwatch – live
Saturday 3pm updates from across the country Get in touch: contact Emillia with your thoughts League One fixtures . Bolton 0-1 Stockport (still live). Cambridge United 0-1 Peterborough (still ...The Guardian - 17m -
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City: Women’s League Cup final – live reaction
A Yui Hasegawa own goal proved to be the difference between the sides as the favourites won their first piece of silverware under Sonia Bompastor. Get in touch: email Barry about the game ...The Guardian - 19m -
Protesters march in Belgrade at huge rally against Serbian president
Authorities in capital make apparent attempt to disrupt demonstration by cancelling public transport. Tens of thousands of people from across Serbia have joined an anti-corruption rally in ...The Guardian - 26m