Jose--Return of the King by Harry Harris

Author:Harry Harris [Harry Harris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781784181888
Publisher: John Blake Publishing
Published: 2014-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

The FA Cup

‘I CAN SEE WHAT THE FA CUP MEANS NOW AND I THINK IT’S FANTASTIC.’

Jose Mourinho after Chelsea’s FA Cup tie against the League two team, Scunthorpe United.

The late Brian Clough was Brian Laws’ manager at Nottingham Forest. Laws, now boss of Chelsea’s third-round FA Cup opponents Scunthorpe, considers it a privilege to have served under Cloughie at the City Ground for five years. Laws can see many similarities between his old boss and Jose Mourinho. ‘They used to call Cloughie “Old Big ‘Ead”, but Mourinho should be known as “Young Big ‘Ead” because he is only 41!’ says Laws. ‘And having heard Jose in interviews, he does remind me very much of how Cloughie used to act. But that is not just about being big-headed. It is more of an arrogance or confidence – not only in himself, but also in his players. Cloughie had a great belief in us and he was prepared to upset people with it. He just didn’t care. And I think that is where Mourinho has shown his colours. He marched into Stamford Bridge and said straight from the start that he knew his team were going to win things this year – and I find that really refreshing.’

Laws adds that he felt like he had ‘won the lottery’ after drawing Chelsea. He was doing his Christmas shopping in Sheffield with his wife when the draw was made but managed to watch it in an electrical goods store. ‘I was in a television shop at the time, and saw it 40 times on 40 different screens. They must have thought I was an absolute lunatic, because I was screaming and jumping up and down. That’s just how much it means to me and this club. We’re not going to Chelsea just to lap it up and say, “Thanks very much.” We’re going to try and cause an upset.’

Chelsea’s chief opposition scout Andri Villas warns they must not take Scunthorpe lightly. ‘For a Division Two team they have good organisation. The principles are direct football, but direct football with some basics and quality. The guy who impressed was Peter Beagrie, with his experience. In one-to-ones he can still beat defenders.’

Beagrie was watching from the comfort of his settee when he heard the draw, but could have done without the reaction of his nine-year-old son. ‘Dad, you’re going to get hammered,’ said Sam. The last time he played at the Bridge he was marked by Mario Melchiot, and before that Albert Ferrer. ‘Maybe they will go easy on us this time, and only play Glen Johnson! If we had been playing Arsenal or Manchester United, they might have put out a team of fringe players, but even Chelsea’s youngsters are worth £6m–£7m. The likelihood is that, whatever the line-up, it will be worth about £150m. In those circumstances, all we can ask is that we don’t embarrass ourselves. If we can keep the score-line below five, we’ll have nothing to be ashamed of.’

Jiri Jarosik experiences English football for the first time after signing three days earlier.

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