In a new Netflix documentary series premiering on 11 August, Jose Mourinho revealed details about a significant career decision made in 2013. When Sir Alex Ferguson retired after 26 years managing Manchester United, he recommended then-Everton manager David Moyes as his successor. However, Ferguson confirmed that Mourinho had been offered the position and initially accepted it.
Mourinho explained that after departing Real Madrid, he had agreed to join Manchester United to succeed Ferguson. The manager said he felt unable to proceed with the arrangement due to a prior commitment to Chelsea, where he had won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006. According to Ferguson’s account, Mourinho called him to reverse his decision, stating he could not break his word to the London club. Mourinho characterized the missed opportunity as “dramatic” but said he made the choice with his heart, prioritizing his emotional connection to Chelsea over the historic opportunity at Old Trafford.
Following his return to Stamford Bridge in 2013, Mourinho won his third Premier League title and the League Cup. Moyes, Ferguson’s chosen successor, was dismissed after just 10 months in charge. Mourinho eventually joined Manchester United in 2016, replacing Louis van Gaal, and spent two-and-a-half years there before his December 2018 dismissal. More recently, Mourinho returned to Real Madrid following his appointment confirmed in June this year.
The documentary also addressed Mourinho’s previous tenure at Real Madrid, where his management style created significant tensions within the squad. His treatment of goalkeeper Iker Casillas, a club legend who was benched during the 2012-13 season, reportedly divided the dressing room and affected relationships with other key players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. Casillas described his relationship with Mourinho as “very cold,” while midfielder Sami Khedira characterized the locker room atmosphere as “a nightmare.” Mourinho defended his approach, citing what he viewed as player entitlement and lack of respect for his authority.
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