By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer
Jose Mourinho is, in his own words, no longer simply 'special'. Now, the Portuguese pondered recently, he should be known not as the 'Special One', but as 'The Only One', due to his unprecedented collection of league titles in England, Italy and Spain - an achievement only he has managed.
But having won all there is to win in Portugal, England and Italy, Mourinho is still missing a trophy in Spain: the only one now eluding 'The Only One' is the Spanish Supercopa.
The 49-year-old has often given short shrift to the less glamorous titles, famously leaving Inter for Real Madrid in 2010 instead of adding a Uefa Super Cup, another Supercoppa Italiana and a Club World Cup to his impressive collection. "Those titles aren't very important," he said at the time.
Then, the chance to coach Real was a greater attraction, but when Mourinho is in it, he wants to win it. His competitive nature wouldn't have it any other way. As he revealed on Wednesday: "The Supercopa is the least important competition... but we want to win it."
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MOURINHO'S SUPERCUP SUCCESSES Supercoppa Italiana (Inter, 2008) Community Shield (Chelsea, 2005) Supertaca C. de Oliveira (Porto, 2003) |
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At Porto, Mourinho led the Dragoes to two league titles, one Portuguese cup, a Uefa Cup and a Champions League, as well as securing the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira in 2003. In his next role, at Chelsea, the Portuguese steered the Blues to two Premier League trophies, one FA Cup, two League Cups and a Community Shield success, in 2005. At Inter, he then guided the Nerazzurri to back-to-back Scudetti, a Coppa Italia and a Champions League crown, alongside the sole Supercoppa Italiana he claimed in 2008. Over the years, he has won it all.
It is an astonishing achievement. An incredible 17 trophies at three clubs, in three different countries. And now, the 49-year-old is beginning to work his magic in Spain, too, where he has added the Copa del Rey and La Liga to his ever-growing collection of silverware, getting the better of Barcelona on each occasion.
Now, Mourinho will look to do so once again as Merengues meet Catalans over two games, at Camp Nou on Thursday and then at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday, in the Spanish Supercopa. And unlike last season's series, this time Madrid close the tie at home. On this occasion, against a Tito Vilanova seeking his very first piece of silverware as Barca boss, Mourinho will be looking to seal his 20th title.
'The Only One' can claim the only one he has yet to win. Come out on top against Barca and he'll complete a Spanish set - so you can imagine how much he wants to win it.
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