José Mourinho's new Netflix documentary, released on Tuesday, is a masterclass in self-aggrandisement, backslapping, and revisiting past glories. The trailer boasts, "You don't do a documentary with a guy who wins nothing," yet since 2017, his only silverware is the 2021-22 Europa Conference League with Roma. Despite failing to win trophies at Tottenham, Fenerbahce, or Benfica, Mourinho has willed the narrative that he remains one of the world's top managers.
A Claim That Would Have Changed Football History
The documentary includes a revelation: Mourinho claims he was lined up to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, only to pull out tearfully at the last minute. "I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows," he teases. "When I left Real Madrid [the first time], I signed with Manchester United to go to United after Sir Alex." Ferguson, also featured, confirms: "He phoned me and he was crying. And he says: 'Alex, I can't take it – I've given my word to Chelsea, and I'm not going to break my word.' The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed."
This anecdote underscores Mourinho's enduring box-office appeal, even as cynics note the irony of simultaneously signing with United and giving Chelsea his word before bursting into tears. His next challenge is Real Madrid, a club famously rife with ego and pressure, where he previously managed from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga in 2012.
Nostalgia and Heat Drive Viewership
The documentary is expected to be widely watched, partly due to nostalgia for Mourinho's prime years at Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid, and partly because many in the northern hemisphere are seeking indoor entertainment during a heatwave. The film features retired talking heads praising his achievements from two decades ago.
Rangers' Frustration Boils Over
In other news, Rangers manager Derek McInnes expressed frustration after his team lost 2-1 to Hibs at Ibrox, leaving them five points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership after just two games. "It's 15 years of frustration here at this club. Nobody knows that more than me … Every Rangers team is a byproduct of that frustration," McInnes said. "The Rangers fans just want to see their team winning and so do I. And we will get there. I'm not going to ask the fans for more patience because I think the Rangers fans have been patient enough."
Letters from Fans
Football Daily readers also weighed in. Ken Muir lamented Hearts' European draws, saying, "Even allowing for my team, Hearts', disjointed recent hire and exits, I do think we have had incredibly bad luck in all our European draws. First it was Sturm Graz, now Benfica, and next, in Tin Pot, it seems likely we'll get Rapid Vienna. I've actually heard of every one of these teams. Why couldn't we have got some other made-up team from an even worse league than the Scottish Premiership?"
Dave Lambley reflected on football's financial evolution: "I enjoyed the link to the Rivaldo article from 2002 (Friday's Football Daily). It came complete with the quaint idea that a Serie A giant with Big Cup football could offer more wages than Spurs. Anyone under 30 would find the idea laughable." Giuseppe praised St James' Park, comparing it to Genoa's old stadium, while criticizing the rebuilt Luigi Ferraris for Italia 90 as "ugly and soulless."
The Football Weekly podcast also returned, with the squad discussing FIFA and other topics, available for viewing and listening.
