Mourinho vs Van Gaal: From disgruntled assistant to great rival
When Sir Bobby Robson left Barcelona to return to PSV, Jose Mourinho asked to go with him, but Robson refused. Thanks to that, Mourinho had the opportunity to meet Louis van Gaal, who had a great influence on his later career, and who he will meet in tonight's big match.
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| Tonight, Van Gaal and Mourinho will have a reunion to show off their talents. |
Because he stayed at Barcelona for another 3 years, Mourinho had the opportunity to work with and thus “learn the trade” of Louis van Gaal, who was already one of the best coaches in the world at that time. Van Gaal let Mourinho run the training ground, experiencing the feeling of directly leading Barca B. More importantly, Van Gaal advised Mourinho not to accept the offer to return to Portugal as an assistant at Benfica when Mourinho felt most homesick.
“Don’t be a vice-president anymore. If the country invites you to be the head coach, then come back,” Van Gaal advised Mourinho. That turned out to be a prophecy because later, Benfica was Mourinho’s first club as head coach.
In his final year at Barca, which was also his final year working with Van Gaal, Mourinho knew his time had come. In the summer of 1999, Mourinho received many offers to become a coach from his homeland, notably from Braga. His close friend and future autobiographer, Luis Lourenco, still remembers his advice: “What are you waiting for if you go out on your own? You might be fired in 6 months, that’s Portuguese football. If you stay, your life at Barcelona will still be as smooth as before, you will continue to learn many things from the top coaches and players, there is no pressure to win or lose, the city is beautiful, and the money comes in steadily. Stay, my friend, enjoy the life that God has given you.”
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| Van Gaal and Mourinho |
Mourinho listened to his friend and stayed. But his final year (the 1999/2000 season) at Barca was hell. That was when the assistant's shirt became too small for him. He began to question every decision Van Gaal made. Why A and not B? Why attack and not defend? Why choose this player and not that one?
Mourinho later recalled: “Tami (Mourinho's wife - PV) was always there, witnessing the suffering I had to go through in my last year at Barcelona. I often came home as a critic rather than an assistant. On the training ground I was always loyal and devoted. But when I got home I kept thinking: Why did Van Gaal decide this and not that? At that time I knew the assistant position was too small compared to my thinking. Tami lived with her husband's tragedies, doubts and anger.”
So when he received an offer from Benfica in the summer of 2000, Mourinho stopped thinking about it, and no one could advise him to stay at Barcelona any longer. It was time for him to make the most important decision, instead of just giving advice to someone. Van Gaal was a man who owed Mourinho a favor, but a fully fledged bird must have its own sky.
Tonight, when Mourinho reunites with Van Gaal, a 15-year historical journey has passed.
“Has the style of both Robson and Van Gaal” In 2003, Mourinho admitted: “With Bobby, I analysed the opponent, explained to him what the players were thinking. Van Gaal is completely different. Bobby doesn’t necessarily have to show his authority. Van Gaal always wants the players to remember that. He is disciplined and has a strong personality. My style is a little bit like both of them.” |
According to bongdaplus
