17 years ago, Mourinho famously stood with an umbrella under a scorching sun, moments before rain poured down. While initially an advertisement, its message endures: he is always one step ahead. This same message underpins a new campaign the 63-year-old coach recently joined with an Italian insurance firm.

"I enjoy doing it because I only do what interests me," Mourinho shared. This applies to coaching as well. Time has passed, his hair has grayed, but his sun-tanned face retains the same defiant gaze, showing no desire to stop. The Special One added, "Perhaps one day, a grandchild will make me retire, but not now."

Jose Mourinho, during his time managing Inter Milan from 2008-2010, led the team to a treble in 2010. *Photo: Reuters*.

- "Has the world changed for the worse, Jose?"

- "The issue is not whether it's better or worse; we cannot control certain things, only learn to adapt. Therefore, it's best not to dwell on the past, but to fight and move forward in the best possible way."

- "Football has also changed significantly over the years."

- "That's right, football is a microcosm of this reality. But as I've said, I still find joy; I love coaching, developing players, and living in the atmosphere of matches. That is the best part, the world I protect. Even as the years pass, I still cannot imagine what I would be like without football."

- "The late legend Gianluca Vialli once said he quit coaching because he no longer felt he was managing players, but rather managing 'small companies'."

- "Gianluca said that 20 years ago; he was a very intelligent man. And I must say, things are even worse now."

- "So, how do you deal with that?"

- "You have to maintain balance. Each player is their own world. In the past, there were only players and agents; now, too many people surround them. You must ensure their world aligns with yours. For example, there should be no conflict between their personal fitness or nutrition specialists and the club's staff. Nor should their private lives ruin the entire team."

- "Let's talk about Italian football. We are currently in the eye of a storm regarding investigations into referees. What are your thoughts?"

- "In reality, I believe Italian football is no different from anywhere else. It's just that here, you periodically dare to investigate and conduct purges."

- "But the Italy national team missed the World Cup."

- "That's a different matter. Some people ask me if I would manage the Italy national team. My answer is that you do not need a foreign coach. You already have Max Allegri, Antonio Conte, and I could name 5-6 more. The problem is not there."

- "So, where does the problem lie?"

- "Look at Portugal. Many wonder why a nation of only 10 million people consistently qualifies for the World Cup and produces so many talented players for top European clubs. The answer is simple. Go and see how they organize their youth leagues, and examine the conditions at those clubs. Just looking at that provides understanding. And perhaps, you should learn from and emulate us."

- "In the next Serie A match, Inter could win the championship with your former player, Cristian Chivu. How do you feel about that?"

- "I am very happy for Chivu. Although when I managed him, I never thought he would become a coach. Chivu is a decent, calm guy, a good player, but he did not seem like 'the chosen one' to lead a team. But he is very intelligent; Chivu learned, rose through the youth ranks, and developed correctly. He did not become a coach simply by reputation."

- "While in other cases..."

- "I confirm that today many people sit in coaching chairs simply because they are good at marketing themselves. There is a segment where good public relations are sometimes more valuable than actual talent."

- "So, image is everything?"

- "Frankly, the idea that 'playing philosophy is more important than results' is football's greatest lie. The prerequisite for winning is quality and executing everything precisely; only then comes beauty. A winning product is a value in itself."

- "So Mourinho is not 'past his prime' yet?"

- "I often hear phrases like 'we defend failure'. Please, don't be ridiculous."

Jose Mourinho led AS Roma to victory in the Conference League in 2022. *Photo: AFP*.

- "Why is it so difficult for AS Roma to win?"

- "I do not know. For me, Roma was the best place in my career. I have never seen such a passionate atmosphere surrounding a team. The Olimpico stadium is always packed, and the fans' affection for the players is incredible. High expectations pressure? That is not a tragedy. Because when we won the Conference League, the celebrations were insane. Even when winning the Champions League, I had never seen anything like it. But my reign at Roma has ended."

- "Why?"

- "I do not want to say anything more. Just one thing: no one should blame the Roma fans as the reason the team does not win. The Giallorossi fans are the ones who always support the team; no one is allowed to touch them."

- "Final question: What does Mourinho's future hold? Some write about Real Madrid, or will he actually go to Juventus one day?"

- "No, my next goal is to take Benfica to the Champions League. We have had an extraordinary journey, being the only team in Europe yet to lose a match. If we win the next three matches, we will participate in the continent's most prestigious competition. That is the only thing on my mind right now. That is the number one priority. After that, who knows."

By Hoang Thong (via Il Giornale)