Last laugh to be Jose’s
JOSE MOURINHO and Antonio Conte resume their private feud this weekend – but they were judged by different sets of rules in Europe.
Manchester United’s 0-0 draw in Seville was uninspired, and David De Gea made one of the best saves I’ve ever seen to preserve their clean sheet.
Chelsea on the other hand performed admirably against Barcelona but that little wizard Lionel Messi scored his first goal against them and Conte’s side had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Judging by the reaction on social media afterwards, Mourinho presided over a sterile performance light years from United’s traditions of flair and enterprising football, while Conte gave a masterclass.
Both opinions are valid – but I know whose shoes I would rather be standing in going into the second leg in the middle of next month.
A goalless draw in Seville is not a bad result because the Spaniards have a formidable home record.
United are in a good position to reach the Champions League quarter-finals while Chelsea – as well as they played at Stamford Bridge – have it all to do in the Nou Camp.
It wasn’t always a bed of roses in Europe for United under Sir Alex Ferguson, you know. I can remember him packing the midfield, bringing in Darren Fletcher as extra cover, and shunting Wayne Rooney out on the left to keep it tight.
Yes, I would love to see the shackles come off, but Champions League knockout ties are not like the figure skating at the Winter Olympics. It’s about who goes through to the next round, not artistic impression.
If Mourinho won his 10th major trophy in English football, and his 21st as a coach with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and United, would that be such a terrible season?