Mourinho pushing Porto on

By Onofre Costa

Upon taking charge of FC Porto in January 2002, José Mourinho's aim was to "recover the influence and strength" that FC Porto enjoyed in the 1990s.

Nearly there
Now, just 16 months later, the 40-year-old coach stands on the brink of UEFA Cup glory, having already guided his team to the Portuguese championship and possible domestic cup success. All in all, an astonishing achievement for a man who has had less than three years experience as a head coach.

Youthful promise
However, the charismatic trainer has been preparing for such moments for a very long time, as his father will testify. Félix Mourinho recalls the day when he was a coach for promotion-chasing União da Madeira and he sent his 15-year-old son José to spy on their next opponents. The gifted youngster handed his dad a report and it paid dividends with Mourinho senior's team coming out on top in the match.

Good listener
Aside from his father's guidance, Mourinho has had the best possible grounding. He spent six years working under Sir Bobby Robson at Sporting Clube de Portugal, Porto and then FC Barcelona before another two-year apprenticeship under Louis van Gaal at Barça. He was given his first head coaching role at SL Benfica in 2000/01, but a difference of opinion saw him soon move on.

All change
Mourinho ended up at unfancied UD Leiria, and led them to fourth position and a UEFA Cup place. It was no surprise when Porto came calling, and he used the remainder of the 2001/02 season to plan his team for an assault on the title. "Unlike others, I don't consider stability as a crucial factor to success," he told uefa.com. "I think that in two years maximum a team has to be playing in the image of their coach, doing things with their eyes closed and that isn't about having people working together for years. It's about hard work and good practice sessions."

Midfield marvels
In fact, from last season's first eleven, only goalkeeper Vítor Baía and midfielders Costinha and Deco remain. Mourinho has managed to drive the renovated team into an offensive outfit that has a unique ability to apply constant pressure in midfield. Porto cruised to the title playing this way, but whether it will help them to triumph in Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Celtic FC remains to be seen.

Seville showdown
The coach believes the Seville showdown is vitally important. "If I think about the club, and I have to do it, I would say that winning the title is more important, but if I think in my career I'd say that winning the UEFA Cup is more important," he said. "It is no secret that I want to go abroad one day, and this UEFA Cup final can mean a lot. If you win a European competition, people know your name and recognise your work."

No favourites
Despite his confidence, Mourinho will make sure his team have their feet on the ground. "There are no favourites in a UEFA Cup final," he said. "In those matches anything can happen. I would say this even if I was facing Real Madrid [CF], Juventus [FC] or Manchester United [FC]."

Well prepared
As he did all those years ago for his father, Mourinho has been doing his homework - even taking in a trip to Glasgow to watch Celtic's recent derby against Rangers FC - and his team will certainly be prepared. Yet, if all his experience has taught him anything, it is that: "A final is final, where a moment of inspiration, a stroke of luck or an unfortunate play can decide the winner."