Jose Mourinho has not yet been unveiled as Real Madrid coach and yet he is already causing a stir with his comments. Mourinho described fellow country man and Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as a ‘phenomenon’ and that he just can’t wait to begin coaching him.
“Cristiano’s a phenomenon, We are both Portuguese, he is the best player in the world and I am one of the best coaches in the world. I want a lot of goals from him next season.”
“Nobody can criticise him if he’s with Paris Hilton on holiday, or he goes to LA or he buys a Ferrari because someone who trains and plays as he does is from another planet. He is an historic footballer.”
I have to admit i have never been a Ronaldo fan but he is one player who has earned my respect by maintaining his consistency over the past two years. Jose’s comments indicate that the 2008 world player of the year will be a key component of his side next season.
His comments also indicate that he plans to build his team around this one player. Brazilian play maker Kaka who is yet to win over the hearts of the Madrid faithful has just received another blow to his comeback plans. I do not know if its only me but i think Kaka is in for another horrendous season in the Spanish capital.
Kaka is just as important to Real as Ronaldo is if not more and Mourinho’s comments might be worrying to his fans who still believe that the Brazilian has a lot more left in him. Rumour has it that Chelsea are ready to bring the 28 year old to London if he considers moving away from Madrid.
Bad season or not, Kaka is still one of the best players in the world. The Brazilian has won everything including the world cup and all these comparisons between the two will cease when Ronaldo equals that.
That said, Florentino’s vision of a creating a “spectacular sporting project” at Madrid will fully come into being once the “special one” lands in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Photo credit: from Jorge .Monteiro