Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has expressed his excitement over the potential return of Jose Mourinho to his old, fiery self. McCarthy, who had a successful spell playing under Mourinho at FC Porto, believes the return of the passionate and fearless manager could be a major boost for football.
McCarthy’s time at FC Porto in the early 2000s was a defining period in his career. Joining the club in 2001 and permanently in 2003, McCarthy thrived under Mourinho’s leadership. During the 2003-2004 season, he was the top scorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, netting 20 goals and playing a pivotal role in Porto’s successful UEFA Champions League campaign. McCarthy credits Mourinho with shaping him into the player he became, describing him as the best manager he ever worked under.
According to McCarthy, Mourinho had a unique ability to connect with his players. He instilled a sense of trust and belief, motivating them to exceed their limits and embrace challenges, no matter how difficult. This deep sense of loyalty towards Mourinho led McCarthy to say he would have been willing to take on any task, no matter the risk, just to satisfy the manager. He recalled, “I could run through a glass window for him,” highlighting the strength of the bond between them.
The key to Mourinho’s success, McCarthy believes, was his understanding of players’ motivations and his uncompromising approach. Mourinho’s style pushed players to achieve more than they thought possible, earning the respect and admiration of his squad. McCarthy’s fondness for Mourinho goes beyond just football, as he sees him as an exceptional man who got the best out of his players both on and off the pitch.
McCarthy also reflected on Mourinho’s recent comments about returning to his old, fiery persona. After years of evolving his coaching style, Mourinho hinted that he was ready to embrace the characteristics that made him one of the most successful and respected managers in football history. McCarthy supports this shift, stating that Mourinho’s “modern version” would soon be forgotten as he returns to his roots.
For McCarthy, Mourinho remains the epitome of a “player’s manager.” His influence on McCarthy’s career cannot be overstated, and as Mourinho teases a return to his old ways, McCarthy is confident that the football world is about to see the revival of a legendary coach at his best.
