Mourinho looks to calmer waters
Jose Mourinho has promised there will be far fewer tantrums and fireworks during his second spell as Chelsea manager after he heralded the dawn of a successful new era at the place he calls home.
In front of 250 accredited media, flash bulbs and camera lenses followed Mourinho's every move as he was officially unveiled as Chelsea's new boss. But anyone expecting a repeat of the famously fiery 'Special One' press conference that took place when Mourinho was appointed as Blues manager the first time around was disappointed.
For Monday afternoon, in the Ron Harris suite at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho - who has signed a four-year contract at the club - cut a strangely diplomatic figure, and he said: "I believe I'm a calmer person now."
The former Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss added: "Nine years is a big difference. 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. I just want to be calm. I'm in the best moment of my career in terms of knowledge and experience. I feel very calm and comfortable."
Whether Mourinho's persona will change once the heat starts rising in the Premier League pressure cooker remains to be seen.
He has espoused controversial comments wherever he has gone. Mourinho engaged in spats with Sir Alex Ferguson, Rafael Benitez and Arsene Wenger during his previous spell at Chelsea and he has not shirked from battles with his contemporaries in Spain, Italy or Portugal either.
For now, though, he appears more diplomatic than ever before, making respectful comments about Ferguson, Wenger and Benitez. The reason behind Mourinho's contentment is because he has been granted his wish of being at a club where he is loved.
"If I have to choose a nickname for this period, I'd choose 'the Happy One' because I'm very happy," Mourinho said.
"This is the first time I arrive at a club where I already love the club. I want to be respected for what I did in the past for this club, but I want to be loved for what I can do from now."
