Chelsea is the special job, insists Jose Mourinho

JOSE Mourinho marked his return to Chelsea by claiming that he is "where he wants to be" and that he has the best job in the world.

Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea

JOSE Mourinho marked his return to Chelsea by claiming that he is "where he wants to be" and that he has the best job in the world.

The incoming manager shrugged off being overlooked for vacant positions at both Manchester clubs and expressed his determination to stay at Stamford Bridge for years to come.

When he made his dramatic entrance at the club nine years ago he hailed himself as a "Special One", but  yesterday he said: "If I have to choose a nickname for this period, I'd choose the 'Happy One' because I'm very happy. This is the first time I arrive in a club where I already love the club."

Mourinho conceded that he is still content to be known as a Special One but set out to project a more measured image than in 2004. The Portuguese also claimed that he could surpass his previous tally of winning five leading trophies in three years at the club.

"I am where I want to be," he said. "You tell me now every job in the football world at this table, and I would choose my job. So I have the job I want to have.

"In football you never know, but I want to believe it's possible to win more. I always trust my work. My career was built and based on success, and I was able to reach success and to win trophies. Working well success normally arrives.

"It was a nickname that is still on me. I like it, no problem. There are so many bad nicknames in life and in football, but that one was fine. I know my weaknesses - not much, not many - but I try to improve and hide them."

Mourinho confirmed that John Terry will remain as the club captain, although he warned his former players that none of them will be able to take their place for granted.

"There are still a few boys from my time, which is always good to go back and see these people who gave absolutely everything to me," Mourinho said. "But it's important to tell you - not them, because they know - that there are no privileges for them. They know my nature. They don't have an advantage in relation to the other people.

"John is the club captain. I'm more than happy with that, so are the fans, so I think he has to be the club captain. With the armband? Only if he plays. If he isn't in the starting XI, he won't have the armband. I've not thought about that, but it has to be like that."

In keeping with his underlying theme of the need for stability at a club who have employed seven managers since he was sacked six years ago, Mourinho emphasised the strength of his relationship with Abramovich, and willingness to follow the owner's vision of a more youth-orientated approach.

Mourinho will be permitted to make a couple of signings this summer, but his primary task will be to integrate talented youngsters already on the club's books, such as Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne, who will return from loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Werder Bremen respectively.

"It's a different situation, but it's something I want to live," Mourinho said. "I haven't changed my nature, and I won't accept development without trying to win. Ever.

"It's more difficult to keep trying to win and trying to be successful, while at the same time developing young players while giving an identity to the team. It's more difficult. But it's something I want at this stage of my career.

"Titles I have. Money I have. I need challenges. Nothing motivates me more than challenges. It's about changing the club. I think so. And the club thinks so too."

Mourinho also claimed that, given the new emphasis on development, if he failed to deliver the Barclays Premier League title in his first season in charge, he would not be sacked, a fate that has befallen five of his seven predecessors, on several occasions midway through the season.

"I don't need anybody to push me to have ambition," he said. "I don't need anybody to push me. I've enough motivation and self-esteem myself, enough desire to do it.

"If we don't win the title in the first year, but show an evolution in the season, I think we'll be champions in the second season.

"I don't think it's a drama. I'd expect to be here to win it in that second season. Of course."

The Times