José Mourinho, the self-proclaimed Special One, is not exactly a man who lacks self-confidence. However, in the week when he marked his 50th birthday, even Real Madrid’s current manager could be forgiven for indulging in a little quiet introspection, as his tenure has become strangely embroiled in allegations of in-fighting and player subterfuge.
Harry Redknapp has claimed quite strongly that he is not a Wheeler Dealer, he is a football manager.
“I’m not a wheeler dealer, f**k off”
Harry Redknapp to Sky’s Rob Palmer, 2010
The magic of the cup has often been overstated but when a genuine cup shock comes around this in no way seems to dilute that excitement we feel, even as a neutral. The latest installment in the love story that British football has with the underdog? League Cup finalists Bradford City. And for them, the fairy tale continues.
“It has been quite some 150 years. The minutes from that original meeting pinpointed the three values at the heart of football. Vision, commitment and team work. They remain our inspiration.”
David Bernstein
FA Chairman
On this day there have been two declarations concerning Barcelona's last two managers. Yes, that's correct- two. All the attention will be on Pep Guardiola and the sudden announcement that he is the new manager-in-waiting of Bayern Munich, but hang on a minute and focus your attention on his predecessor at the Nou Camp... Frank Rijkaard.