Mourinho set to replace Van Gaal as Manchester United manager

Manchester United are set to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager, BBC Sport understands.

It is believed a deal with the 53-year-old Portuguese was agreed in principle before United's FA Cup final win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Red Devils secured their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 with a 2-1 win in extra-time against Crystal Palace.

Moments after the final whistle, reports emerged that Mourinho would replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford next week.

But the former Chelsea boss has refused to confirm whether he is bound for Manchester, instead only congratulating United on their win at Wembley.

Asked by Sky Sports what he made of Van Gaal's triumph in the final, Mourinho said: “Many congratulations.”

He shook his head when asked if he had a message for United fans and would not respond to questions about whether he was excited for talks with the Red Devils next week.

The BBC are reporting that the Van Gaal will be told on Monday that his services are no longer required and that Mourinho will take charge on Tuesday.

With United failing to qualify for the Champions League under Louis van Gaal, the Old Trafford hierarchy is thought to have decided a change is required.

Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in December but has been linked with the United job ever since.

Spanish newspaper AS this morning claimed Mourinho will receive an £11.6m-a-year salary at United and has demanded executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward give him licence for a complete squad overhaul.

Mourinho signs deal with Manchester United to replace Van Gaal

After months of speculation, Mourinho has put pen to paper and committed to the Old Trafford club from next season, according to a report in his native Portugal.

It is believed he has not fully agreed terms with United, but has signed on in principle to assume the position currently held by Louis van Gaal.

The club had hoped to wait until the end of the season to make an announcement.

But they have been forced to bring it forward after news of Mourinho’s signing the contract leaked out in his native Portugal.

United bosses reckon Mourinho is the only boss in world football who can take on Pep Guardiola, who will take charge of neighbours Manchester City.

And Starsport understand Old Trafford top brass have promised Mourinho a massive war chest of up to £300m to rebuild the team.

That could include Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is open to a move to United but doesn't want to play under Van Gaal.

The two previously have worked together at Inter Milan.

Jose Mourinho optimistic of joining Manchester United

Chelsea's ex manager Jose Mourinho is very  optimistic of joining Manchester United after some widespread reports that Manchster united will appoint a new manager as next next summer. 

The manner in which UK media are speculating over who the next manager of Manchester United will be, it often makes you forget that they do have one in place.

Louis van Gaal wants to continue at Old Trafford and see out his contract at the end of the next season, but widespread reports suggest that Manchester United will appoint a manager as early as next summer.

Few names have popped up, but judging by the media reports, it seems that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is emerging out as strong favourites to take over the managerial job at Old Trafford.

According to reports from the Express (not a reliable source) Mourinho has told his close friends that he will be joining United, and the situation is as good as ‘done deal’

Wednesday’s Daily Express back page –

Jose: Take it as Red#tomorrowspaperstoday

#mufc #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/y5JDbkNa2U

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 9, 2016

A similar report has been covered by the Daily Mirror as well. They claim to have got the info from a source close to Mourinho. 

Wednesday’s Daily Mirror back page: United job is MINE#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers#mufc pic.twitter.com/Ll8PxEhIKB — Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 9, 2016

United manager Louis van Gaal reacted angrily when asked recently to comment on the speculation surrounding his future. He told reporters that the reports of United had been in talks with Mourinho were nonsense.

Whether or not there are any truths in these reports, one thing is clearly evident – Mourinho is indeed United’s first choice to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford. United have a tradition of strongly supporting their manager, but with the club currently six points adrift of a Champions League place, a change of manager is highly on the cards.

Mourinho to be appointed Manchester United manager July 1

Jose Mourinho will take over as Manchester United manager from July 1, according to reports by the Spanish press.

The Portuguese manager’s agents have reportedly had talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy and is set to take over from the under fire Louis van Gaal.

The report in Spanish newspaper Marca, has even claimed the exact date of Mourinho’s arrival, noting that the 53 year old will take over in the summer, allowing Louis van Gaal to see out this season. 

The Dutchman is apparently keen to retire from management as he has faced brickbats from the Old Trafford faithful this season, but would like to leave on cordial terms.

Marca have also reported that Mourinho would not prefer to take over mid-season as he has worked under Van Gaal in the past and would not like to respect the Dutchman’s final year in management. Should Van Gaal, who has the support of the Old Trafford hierarchy for the moment, walk away from the job beforehand, Ryan Giggs will reprise his role as caretaker manager until Mourinho takes over in the summer.

Conflicting reports in British press

British outlet Independent, on the other hand are reporting that while talks are underway, the power brokers at United are said to favour Laurent Blanc and Mauricio Pochettino over Mourinho. 

The Tottenham Hotspur manager has impressed the Old Trafford board members by getting Spurs to 3rd in the Prmeier League table, where they are above Manchester United in 5th, with one of the Glazer family being very keen on hiring the Argentinian.

However, ESPN are reporting that Mourinho’s camp is confident of getting the job, as Manchester United are concerned with Pep Guardiola’s arrival. 

The reluctance to appoint a relatively inexperienced manager with the Spaniard in competition has meant that Ryan Giggs will not get the job, despite support from within the club. 

This is also seen as a negative for Pochettino’s chances, as the United board reportedly feels Argentine needs a few more years to be considered ready.

Another factor in Mourinho’s favour is his weight in attracting potential acquisitions to Old Trafford – the Portuguese manager is seen as someone who can entice players to the club, as opposed to those who are competing with him for the job.

Earlier, Mourinho had reportedly gone on a charm offensive, allegedly writing a six page ‘love letter’ to Manchester United, outlining why he was suited for the role. With Louis van Gaal increasingly likely to leave at the end of the season, if not earlier, the chances that Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will face off in a mouth watering Manchester derby next season are quite high.

Eden Hazard apologizes to Mourinho

Eden Hazard has apologized to former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for his role in the Portuguese manager’s sacking. 

The Belgian sent a text message to his 53 year old ex manager apologizing for his poor form this year, with Mourinho replying and wishing him all the best.

In a wide ranging interview with the Guardian, Hazard revealed that he had sent the text message apologizing to Mourinho a few days after his sacking, saying “I sent him the message to say I was sorry he had gone and well, just that I was sorry.”

The Belgian underlined the guilt he felt at his poor form, while also revealing Mourinho’s magnanimous reply, saying “We’d enjoyed all that success together last season, but this time round we hadn’t.

I felt a little bit guilty because I’d been player of the year. I’d been one of the most decisive players, and this year I’d performed less well. I hadn’t been at the same level. So I sent that text to José and he came back to me, wishing me all the best for the future.”

Mourinho offered job by 'world worst club'

Out-of-work football manager Jose Mourinho has received an offer too bad to be true.

Ibis Sports Club, once dubbed the world's worst club, has offered the cocky, superstar manager a two-year contract which includes loss bonuses - the gift of an animal after every defeat and an immediate raise if "the team lost by a thrashing".

Ibis released the job offer to mark Brazil's December 28 equivalent of April Fool's Day, the Telegraph reported.

The Brazilian club was dubbed "The Worst Team in the World" after going winless for nearly four years in the 1980s. Mourinho left English Premier League champions Chelsea last month after their horror start to the season.

"At the moment this is what we can do for you, as you are without a club," the club stated in its offer which included posting a contract online.

Mourinho is one of the most successful football managers in history, having won major league titles in four countries.

Jose Mourinho to sell this four key players in January, according to reports

There has been a lot of talk and speculation of late that Jose Mourinho wants to conduct a root and branch revolution at Stamford Bridge this January.

The Chelsea boss has reportedly asked owner Roman Abramovich to trust him in getting the club out of crisis, by giving him until January to make significant personnel changes.

Several players have been scapegoated and dropped by Mourinho this season as he’s attempted to distance himself from the team’s failings, and two of the scapegoated players feature on Sport’s list.

The Barcelona-based paper claim to be privy to the identity of the four players that Mourinho wants out the door this January: Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Eden Hazard and Oscar.

Interestingly, there is no sign of Cesc Fabregas on the list – the player who was accused by various media outlets of being the ‘dressing room rat’ (an allegation he vehemently denies.

Do you think this is a solution to Chelsea crisis? 

Leave a comment.

The five anti-Mourinho Chelsea players and supporters

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport can't get enough of Jose Mourinho and that's been the case since he was manager at Inter Milan. Mourinho is highly thought of in Italy and, should the manager part company with Chelsea, then a return to Inter at some stage would be look to be an attractive option, albeit one which Roberto Mancini currently stands in the way of.

In their 'Extra Time' supplement on Tuesday, Gazzetta dello Sport split Chelsea players into those for and against Mourinho's continuation at the Premier League club. It's likely to be educated guesswork but they've gone to the extent of designing a nice little graphic, which is more than most have been bothered to do. 

The Horsemen of Mourinho's Chelsea Apocalypse are named as Oscar, Nemanja Matic, Radamel Falcao, Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic. Gazzetta's reasoning is a mixture of form, and how Mourinho has been treating those players.

On the Chelsea manager's side are Thibaut Courtois, Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, John Obi Mikel, Ramires, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Kurt Zouma and Asmir Begovic.

We know who would win in a fight, even with the big Serbians apparently against Mourinho.

The Serbian press made a point at the end of the international break of saying that Matic is a very placid character, loyal, and simply not the type to cause trouble, so the perception of him could be wrong. 

Eden Hazard and Willian are among a third group of Chelsea players said to not be too fussed either way. 

Mourinho's pressure steps up to another level

The pressure on Jose Mourinho just stepped up another level with the news that sacked doctor Eva Carneiro is taking legal action against him.

The BBC report that the Chelsea boss is set to become embroiled in the fallout from her exit from the club.

Mourinho is said to be the subject of 'individual legal action' as Carniero sues the Blues for constructive dismissal.

He told Sportsweek: “Let me tell you what I know on the Chelsea story. My information comes from a Chelsea first team player.

"The information was actually passed to me by a football contact.

"Here's a staggering quote. One player said recently, 'I'd rather lose than win for him'.

"Now that last quote may well have been said in the heat of the moment, but it perhaps gives an insight into the mood of some of the players."

I'm not going anywhere - Mourinho

It just keeps getting worse and worse for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea.

Liverpool added to Chelsea’s woes on Saturday by erasing an early deficit and scoring three unanswered goals in a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge. Ramires put the struggling Blues ahead after just four minutes, but a Philippe Coutinho brace and Christian Benteke strike flipped the script and gave the Reds three road points.

Coutinho canceled out the early goal three minutes into first-half stoppage time, and found the back of the net again to put Jurgen Klopp’s men in front in the 74th minute. Benteke, who assisted on Coutinho’s winner, then added an insurance tally in the 83rd to ensure that there would be no comeback from Chelsea.

The defeat was Chelsea’s second in a row, and dropped the club to 15th place in the Premiership table. The Blues have 11 points through 11 matches, and the pressure continues to pile on Mourinho. Liverpool fans even chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” after Coutinho’s second tally.

Despite the bookies making him favourite to be the next Premier League boss to be sacked after the home defeat against Liverpool, the Chelsea manager insisted he is staying in his job.

When asked if he thought yesterday's defeat could be his last in charge, he snarled: "No, I don't."

Mourinho also hit back at suggestions that he may have 'lost' the Stamford Bridge dressing room.

He said: "I have no doubts. If you saw some individual performances below a normal level, there were not many. I would say there were, a maximum, a couple.

"Even these ones, they suffered because they are not able to do more. The team is together.”

Chelsea crash out of League cup after losing 5-4 to Stoke City on penalty shootout

Holders Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup in the fourth round after Jack Butland's penalty shootout heroics earned 10-man Stoke City a 5-4 spot-kick win that cranked the pressure up on Jose Mourinho.

Butland, who pulled off a string of fine stops throughout normal and extra time, saved from Eden Hazard after all the previous nine spot-kicks had been converted to decide a tense contest that Chelsea had dragged themselves back into at the death in normal time.

Jonathan Walters struck a goal worthy of winning any contest to give Stoke the lead early in the second half before Loic Remy’s injury-time equaliser took the tie the distance at the Britannia Stadium.

Despite seeing his team outplay Stoke for much of the game on Tuesday, Mourinho was subjected to 'sacked in the morning' taunts from the home side's supporters as Chelsea suffered another significant setback following a poor start to their Premier League title defence. An injury blow to Diego Costa compounded matters further.

For Stoke, who had Phil Bardsley sent off, the victory was a welcome return to the form that saw Mark Hughes' men win four games in a row before defeat against Watford on Saturday, and few sides will want to face them in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Chelsea began brightly and Costa's cross-cum-shot was cleared off the line by Glenn Whelan, while former Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had barely had a touch in the Chelsea goal when Marko Arnautovic fired a looping overhead kick just over the crossbar after 25 minutes.

Costa, who had picked up a knock, was removed after half an hour, while Hazard and Ramires felt the force of some heavy Stoke tackling as the hosts tried to unsettle Chelsea.

But the visitors continued to pile forward and Butland made a top-corner save from Hazard to keep the scores level, before John Terry's close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

Despite Chelsea's dominance, the best chance of the first half fell to Walters, but he failed to beat Begovic from point-blank range.

Walters more than made amends for his miss seven minutes after the break as he broke the deadlock in style. Charlie Adam's pass found him on the edge of the penalty area and Walters flicked the ball up before hitting a scorching half-volley into the top of the net, giving Begovic no chance.

The goal ignited the atmosphere inside the stadium, as the home crowd sensed they put Mourinho on the brink, and Walters went within inches of adding a spectacular second when he fired a scorching shot just over from 20 yards.

Just as it seemed Stoke's battling performance had drained the fight out of Chelsea, Kurt Zouma flicked a corner on to Remy, who lashed the ball into the top of the net from close range.

Stoke were then reduced to 10 men when Bardsley was shown a second yellow card for a cynical challenge on Kenedy.

Chelsea were buoyant in extra-time and Hazard came close to winning it when he hooked a shot just wide with Butland at full stretch.

Butland's outstanding performance in the first 90 minutes continued throughout extra-time and it was his save from Kenedy in the dying moments that took the tie to penalties.

After nine out of the first nine spot-kicks were clinically despatched - with the likes of Adam, Arnautovic, Oscar, Remy and Willian successful - Hazard saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Butland, who earned his side a place in the last eight.

Chelsea and Mourinho charged by FA

Jose Mourinho has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for misconduct during Chelsea's Premier League clash with West Ham.

Coach Silvino Louro has also been charged with the same offence while both clubs face accusations of failing to control their players.

"Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct in relation to his language and/or behaviour towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area at half-time," read an FA statement.

"Chelsea coach Silvino Louro has also been charged with misconduct in relation to his behaviour which led to his 45th minute dismissal from the technical area.

"West Ham have been charged for failing to control their players in the 44th minute of the game and Chelsea have also been charged with the same offence for an alleged breach in the 45th minute of the game.

"All parties have until 6pm on Thursday [29 October 2015] to reply."

Chelsea boss Mourinho remains subject to a suspended stadium ban following comments relating to the match officials made after the 3-1 loss to Southampton at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

However, that related to post-match media comments where he "alleged and/or implied bias" on the part of the officials, meaning this latest charge is unlikely to trigger the ban.

The Portuguese has since been critical of the FA punishment meted out to him - declaring on Friday he would not give the media "good and funny headlines" due to a "lack of respect".

Mourinho is Chelsea's best ever manager - Stoke City boss

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has backed Jose Mourinho to turn things around at Chelsea despite the Premier League champions' dismal start to the season.

Chelsea have won just one of their last six games in all competitions, and sit 15th in the Premier League following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham.

Mourinho watched the second half of that match from the stands after being sent off at half-time, with the Football Association subsequently charging the Portuguese with misconduct.

Pressure is mounting on the Portuguese but, speaking ahead of Tuesday's League Cup tie between Stoke and Chelsea, Hughes voiced his support for his opposite number.

"He is the best manager the club has ever had," said the Welshman. "Why would they change him?

"I don't anticipate them struggling for too much longer. 

"All teams, whatever level, go through these periods, but Chelsea have quality right the way through the club which will enable them to come through this period."

Hughes added: "Maybe we are playing them at a good time. 

"It is always difficult to play Chelsea but we are feeling good and are looking forward to it."

Mourinho: One mistake cost Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has likened referee Damir Skomina in Chelsea's 0-0 Champions League draw with Dynamo Kiev to rugby official Craig Joubert.

Joubert refereed Australia's quarter-final Rugby World Cup victory over Scotland at the weekend, and awarded a controversial penalty for accidental offside that enabled the Wallabies to come from behind and win in the closing stages.

And Mourinho believes Skomina's decision not to award Chelsea a penalty after Cesc Fabregas was brought down by Sergiy Rybalka in the first half in Kiev on Tuesday was just as impactful.

"Our performance was solid, we had control of the game for 75 minutes. We hit the post, [should have] had a penalty," Mourinho said.

"It was a clear penalty. I don't know, the referee didn't see it, he didn't want to give it - I don't know.

"One mistake cost Scotland in the rugby. Here, one mistake cost Chelsea."

Mourinho labelled the Slovenian official "weak and naive" immediately following the clash in Kiev.

When asked whether he believed he would be fined for his comment, Mourinho gave a light-hearted reply: "Okay, it was not a penalty."

Mourinho worried over under-achieving stars

Chelsea Manager unhappy with unacceptable form after defeat to Crystal palace.

Jose Mourinho has branded as unacceptable the form of the core of his title winning team this season and warned he will make changes if his stars are still not achieving the desired result

Jose Mourinho will demand his leading players, including Eden Hazard, improve after Chelsea's chastening start to the season.

The Barclays Premier League champions have four points from four games and sit eight points behind leaders Manchester City after Saturday's 2-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace.

It was Mourinho's second loss in 100 home league games as Chelsea boss and he was frustrated by individual and collective performances.

"If you are the best in the Premier League, I think it should be a good responsibility to have a similar season as in the previous season," Mourinho said.

"I don't want to analyse individual performances. When you have six or seven performing and three or four who are not (at) an acceptable level, it is difficult for a team to be consistent in the performance."

Whether he turns to the transfer market in search of answers ahead of Tuesday's 6pm deadline remains to be seen.

Mourinho said: "If you ask me, will I accept this, cross my arms, sit in a nice chair and wait calmly for the performance level to be back? No.

"I have to work, I have to react, I have to analyse and if I feel the players are not in conditions to react and give more, I have to make changes. I have never had a problem with that."

Asked whether his team retained the appetite to defend their title, the Portuguese said: “If that is the point, it is very, very sad because, for me, I feel the opposite. When I win, I want to win again. 

My medal is at home, in a drawer, [because] I feel fantastic motivation for more. If you win it once and the next [year] you are not on fire, not ready at least to fight for more, that is sad.

Mourinho tells Ronaldo: Team honours come first

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's standing as the world's best player, while praising Stamford Bridge star Eden Hazard.

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in January but ended the season trophyless from a team perspective as Real Madrid fell short on all fronts.

And Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, believes individual honours should come after success with club or country.

Asked if he believed Ronaldo should not be considered alongside Barcelona's Lionel Messi as one of the world's best two players, Mourinho said: "I think so. I don't like players or managers to win individual trophies without the team. Obviously depending on the season they have.

"They have to win some titles, no? Football without titles is nothing.

"Messi won the treble. He won three competitions last year, he reached the Copa America final [with Argentina]. He had a fantastic season for him and for his team.

"I am not saying he [Ronaldo] is not fantastic. I am just saying that, in my personal view, every football player in the world should understand that a team has to be in front."

Hazard's qualities have seen him become the most fouled player in the Premier League and Mourinho is worried the attacker could pick up a serious injury.

"Eden was very lucky not to break a leg last season," he added. "He's getting stronger and stronger, not just in his body but in his attitude. He's mentally tough. He's not the kind of boy who overreacts.

"After a bad tackle he never rolls and rolls like other players do.

"But the reality is that last season he was lucky - let's see what happens next season. He could have been injured many times. He suffered more than a couple of nasty tackles and could have been in trouble. I saw lots of players breaking legs and ankles with less than that.

"I would like more protection for him but it's beyond my control. I don't want to change his mentality or personality. I don't want him to start crying or overreacting. I want Eden to be what he is - absolutely fantastic."

Mourinho: Rivals trying to buy the title

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was accused of 'buying' the Premier League title during Jose Mourinho's first spell at Stamford Bridge, but the Portuguese believes the boot is now on the other foot.

Reigning champions Chelsea have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far - bringing in Asmir Begovic from Stoke City and Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco as their only major signings so far.

Meanwhile, a number of their rivals have indulged in eye-catching close-season activity, with Manchester City recruiting England internationals Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph, and both Manchester United and Liverpool moving to strengthen their squads with a raft of new signings.

Mourinho said of Chelsea: "Basically you cannot say we have a lot of new players. We just made some adaptations in our squad to replace [Didier] Drogba and Petr Cech - we have Falcao and Begovic. The squad is the same, other squads are not the same.

"They are buying some of the best players in the country. They are buying some of the best players in Europe. So other squads will be very strong.

"So as people told me many many times in the beginning of Mr Abramovich coming to Chelsea, Chelsea was buying the title.

"Now, all of them, they are buying the title, and it's up to us to be strong and to fight them and obviously try to win the title again, even without the big investments.

I inquired from Terry and Cahill advice on Falcao says Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho consulted with central defensive duo John Terry and Gary Cahill before bringing Radamel Falcao in on loan.

Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when Mourinho opted to sign Falcao on loan, after the Colombian endured a difficult temporary spell at Manchester United last term.

But Mourinho has revealed that he spoke with Terry and Cahill about the former Atletico Madrid man, who they believe still has the qualities that made him one of Europe's most-feared strikers.

"We think the bright movement is there, the movement to get freedom in the box to score goals is there," said the Portuguese.

"Our players had difficulty to control him all the time and we feel the potential is there.

"Let's see if he can improve his confidence, his happiness.

"If the fact we have a good community of Portuguese people, plus the guys who were with him in Atletico [Diego Costa and Filipe Luis], let's see if this situation can help him.

"I watch Portuguese football regularly and in Porto he was very good.

"When he was at Atletico, I was in Real Madrid, so there were a few years where I was with him all the time. 

"Last season I watched our game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge a few times because of him."

Mourinho rounds on critics after clinching title

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his side are worthy Premier League champions, despite criticism from some quarters over the course of the season.

The 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge sealed Chelsea's fourth Premier League title and Mourinho's third with the club.

Mourinho has previously spoken at length about criticism in the media of his players, most notably from Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness, and aimed another dig following the weekend's celebrations.

Asked whether the Premier League was an easy title to win, Mourinho responded: "No, it's easier to be a pundit.

"To be a pundit you win every game, you don't lose matches as a pundit. It's a fantastic job really, maybe in 10 years' time it's my job - then I win every game.

"Now as a manager I lose sometimes and it's a much more difficult job."

Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid prior to the start of last season and has already claimed League Cup and Premier League silverware.

"We do everything that a team wants, that's why we are champions," the Portuguese added.

"We deserve so much to be champions, I think everyone knows that. Those that have a big face to say we don't deserve it are the ones that in my country we say 'the dogs bark and the caravan goes by'.

"It's not more pressure it's just the understanding that when you go back to a place you had success before, you risk a little bit of your prestige and your history, I risked it.

"But okay, we won again and I can say I won titles with Chelsea with two generations separated with two decades."

Mourinho to move on quickly from title success

Jose Mourinho says he will only take five minutes to celebrate before turning his thoughts to next season if Chelsea seal the Premier League title this weekend.

Mourinho's side know victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday will be enough to secure their first league championship since 2010.

The Portuguese, who already boasts seven league titles from spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid, has fond memories of previous successes, but plans to swiftly refocus once silverware is secured.

"I have replicas of every cup I won, and I don't care about the replicas. Or the medals. They're in my houses. I have some in Portugal, some here, some in my son’s room. I really don't care," said Mourinho.

"What stays forever is the feeling, the emotion, the memory of the moment. I have clear in my head every one of these moments I lived.

"What motivated me are the basic things in football, like when you are a kid, you play in the street with your neighbours, three against three, four against four, and you want to win. That's the most pure feeling in football.

"The meaning is the important thing: the feeling, the emotion … that's what stays with you forever.

"If you are in a championship, you want to win it. It doesn't depend on the level you are. To be champions in the Premier League is not a different feeling to winning the championship in League One, League Two or the Conference. The happiness, also the frustrations … in terms of human feelings, they're exactly the same.

"But the moment itself, it only lasts for a flash. For that moment a final finishes, or the game that gives you the league ends, you have like a flash of the people you love most, the people who are with you, a little bit of the most important moments that lead to that trophy.

"It's like a quick flash. And, with me, five minutes later, I move on. I have to think about next season, to prepare. We need to think about that."