This article is a re-post and merge of my now defunct OurFootballBlog football writing blog from 2010 – 2011.
Ahead of a massive European tie tonight I’ve got a bit of a tongue in cheek post for you today.
Who did the best deal with the Devil?
It’s a straightforward question and most of you probably know already the two individuals I’m referring to, here are my thoughts.
In the moody corner
Here we have José Mourinho, a manager who wasn’t a very good footballer and I don’t even think he played professionally at any level, is this the key to his success? That his skills are as a manager and not something a weary ex-football decided to try his hand at? Perhaps. We could look towards his key schooling during his Barcelona days, known to them still as ‘The Translator’ he worked under some of the finest managers of the time whilst at Barca and learnt much of his trade there. However nothing prepared the world for his success with Porto in the Champions League – from there on in it’s been a roller-coaster of a ride with José after stints with Chelsea and now Inter Milan he is deemed as one of the best, if not the best, manager in the world, surely the retirement of Alex Ferguson will cement Josés place at the top.
What we know then is he’s had an excelent education in management, but no-one expected the success Porto had. Without doubt a deal with the Devil was done, what could José have had to sacrifice (in a footballing sense of course!) to do this deal? Was it perhaps that he’ll never have sustained success over the one club that haunts him the most? I think we’ll find the answer to that tonight.
And over in the happy corner
We all thought Ronaldinho was the happiest person in football, I’ve never seen a happier person full stop than Lionel Messi, surely some trickery is afoot! There’s little doubt that Messi always had talent, you’ve just got to do a quick search for some of the videos from his youth to see him gliding past players at a very early age. His time with Barcelona has matured him into quite a fantastic player and some unexpected levels of strength for his tiny, tiny frame. The form Messi is currently is in is nothing short of frightening and does suggest a deal has been done, no-one can get close to him and the most average of chances turn into wonder-goals with the shake of his boot.
What did Messi give in return for such talent? José isn’t as clear cut a question here but this is, poor Messi got stuck with Maradona as his National coach, playing him out of position and having to face a World Cup that should be his time to shine, with a team terribly out of form. I’ve already signaled him as one of my flops to watch (ooo that might make a good post!) for the World Cup – I think that’s what he gave for his superpowers.
Who did the best deal?
I’m not sure, time will tell which of these two minions the dark lord favours most. I somehow see heartbreak for José, but if he can subdue Messi with his own tactical powers like in the last game, then perhaps we’ll have to think again about just how far José went for his evil talents.
What do you think?
That’s right, now it’s your turn, answers in the comments please. Who did the best deal with the Devil? José Mourinho or Lionel Messi.
