Jose enjoys cosy chat with his homeland

TV star: Jose Mourinho

14 April 2012

Not even Jose Mourinho can rant on every night of his life. More than one million Portuguese viewers tuned in yesterday evening expecting fireworks but found themselves watching a picture of peace, with Mourinho appearing as contented as a young boy blowing out the candles on his birthday cake.

Although the Chelsea coach's debut on the eponymous " Mourinho" contained the now requisite attack on UEFA, the overall mood was far more restrained. On his holiday with his family last week he appears to have bathed in the Sea of Tranquillity.

Chelsea officials awaited the show with trepidation, for fear of whom their bombastic manager would assail, but they need not have worried.

Progression to the semi-finals of the European Cup and their impending Premiership coronation has lifted Mourinho's mood, with his choice of a casual jacket indicative of his relaxed attitude.

Instead of railing against referees, criticising his own club and responding to Arsene Wenger's taunts, Mourinho took the unusual step of praising his opponents, lauding Liverpool and expressing his admiration for the Dutch system of football.

PSV Eindhoven, it must be remembered, could lie in wait in the European Cup Final if they see off the challenge of favourites AC Milan.

The sweet arrows sent to Liverpool, though, carry a deadly intent, with Rafael Benitez's side damned by faint praise.

Chelsea may be facing Arsenal tomorrow but the European Cup semi-final is already in the forefront of Mourinho's mind. The 42-year-old is too sophisticated to indulge in open sledging, but what former Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh referred to as "mental disintegration" is under way.

Mourinho's claims that he would be happy to see Liverpool travel to Istanbul next month do not ring true to his nature.

He said: "I'm not surprised that Liverpool are in the semifinals, but I am surprised they're not doing better in England. I expected more from them. They have a great coach and some excellent players like Milan Baros, Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia.

"I'm sure their players are desperate to beat us. Liverpool have lost three times to us this season and the last loss was a bitter one.

"Whatever happens I'm happy because an English team will be in the final and I believe English football is the most fascinating in the world.

"It's fantastic that one team will reach the final and I won't be too sad if it's Liverpool."

Mourinho's desire to see an English team as European champions is probably genuine, but what better way to undermine Liverpool than to remind them of their repeated failings?

Arsenal will also be riled by Mourinho's insistence that t omor row's Premiership encounter at Stamford Bridge holds no special significance.

With the European Cup the undoubted priority, there is even the intriguing possibility that Chelsea will rest players in their bid to unseat the champions.

Mourinho said: "There's no champagne, not yet, but we want to be champions as soon as possible. We're trying to get to the Champions League Final and - it sounds like a lie - but we've played 52 matches already in four competitions this season. I envy coaches who work in other countries, as we have so many matches to play."

Amid all the pleasantries one sentence stood out. When asked for his views on the Portuguese title race Mourinho ducked the question, replying only that: "I have to think about other wars, the battles I must win."

Despite the outbreak of peace, the next war is never far away with Mourinho.

Jose enjoys cosy chat with his homeland

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