With 70 goals, 52 points and only 2 losses; 2011-2012 should by all accounts be Mourinho’s breakthrough season as Madrid manager.
Yet during a league campaign in which Los Merengues have cemented their former position as heirs to the La Liga throne, it is evident that something has gone awry in the Spanish capital.
For at present, Los Blancos’ talismanic coach casts a forlorn shadow across the Bernabéu, as a host of unsuccessful encounters with Barcelona and talk of disunity within the dressing room appear to have marred the Special One’s already dwindling tenure.
Talk of a move to England is widespread, with the self-confessed Anglophile being hotly tipped to take control at the Emirates, should Arsene Wenger add to Arsenal’s long list of recently mediocre seasons.
Whether North London is his destination of choice remains to be seen, an arguably poisoned chalice since the departure of Henry, Vieira, Ljungberg & co. but nevertheless tempting given the history and stalwart fanbase of the club.
Another possibility, however, could be that such furore from the Portuguese Maestro is merely a storm in a tea cup; a new chapter in the Mourinho vs. the world saga.
Yet irrespective of the former Chelsea boss’ future, players and pundits alike will be wondering as to the reason behind such apparent turmoil at the club.
One can only speculate, yet it seems to be the result of a breakdown in communication between himself, his senior players and Madrid’s Board of Directors – two groups of people with whom he has had a more than colourful relationships.
But perhaps the most damning indicator of unrest has already come from the horse’s mouth itself, with the usually fervent Mourinho nonchalantly accepting the uncertainty over his future at the club.
Time will tell regarding the fate of Madrid’s much maligned coach, yet one thing is for certain – Mourinho vs. the world is far from over.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
