By Muheeb Mashood
Controversial football manager, Jose Mourinho’s hope of winning the Europa League was dashed to the wall, following a
a 4-1 penalty shoot-out against seventh-time title winner, Sevilla at Budapest.
A 35th minute Paulo Dybala’s lead gave coach Mourinho’s Roma a joyous assurance to extend his European final records, however, Mancini’s own goal canceled the process and forced the game to extra-time.
The Spell of Jose Mourinho
Mourinho’s legacy started in 2003 where he led FC Porto to Europa League final against Celtic. Derlei’s 115th minute extra time’s goal after a pulsating 2-2 draw, secured a massive victory for Jose’s side, thereby winning his first ever European trophy. Joy engulfed his face as he moved forward in his career the following year.
After shocking defeats to Man United, Lyon and Deportivo La Coruna, Porto booked a spot for the second time in the UEFA Champions League final where they
faced Didier Descampo’s Monaco.
A 3-0 victory delivered by Carlos Alberto, Deco and Dmitri Alenichev was what the Portuguese side needed to claim the 2003/2004 Champions League title. While every player in the squad jubilated to the fullest, the moment set a pace for Mourinho’s managerial job
After staging the back-to-back saga, it cost Mourinho six years to regain prominence in the European sphere. A dominant spell at Chelsea was not enough, thus, joined Italian side Internazional Milano where he flourished, playing his second Champions League final in his second year at the club.
Dumping his former team, the Blues alongside UCL final’s route is a testimony of venom, having a showdown against Bayern Munich, thanks to Diego Milito whose duo goals handled a 2-0 victory to his side.
Undoubtedly, the 60-year-old Portuguese Manager has now established himself as one of the best coaches in the world.
England side Manchester United became prominent in Jose’s heritage as attention turned back to the Europa League cup final. Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan goals sealed a 2-0 victory against Ajax in Stockholm which saw United claim their sixth European title in 2016.
In 2021, Mourinho returned to Italy, secured a managerial job at Roma and competed in the first edition of Europa Conference League, a third category of UEFA’s cup. Nicolo Zaniolo’s goal handed Roma their first European title after 61 years of being founded after Feyernood failed to stop Roma boss to claim his fifth win in five different UEFA cup’s finals.
The Unfortunate Event at Budapest
Jose Mourinho was presented with an opportunity to solidify his status further after he managed Roma to their second consecutive European final.
However, determined Sevilla frustrated Mourinho’s dream after they sealed a gallant 4-1 victory in a penalty shoot-out at Puskas Arena, Budapest. Thereby, extended their long run Europa League final unbeaten record, winning the trophy for the seventh time.
Roma’s loss in the sweepstake has created a lot of pressure from the club.
“I won five European finals, I lost this one, but I return home prouder than ever this time. The lads gave absolutely everything this season,” Mourinho boasted while speaking with Sky Italia.
“We’re dead tired physically, dead tired mentally, dead because we think it is an unjust defeat with lots of incidents that are debatable.
“We are dead tired, but proud. I always say you can lose a football match, but never your dignity or professionalism”, he said.
However, Mourinho claimed that he has no interest in second place as he usually gives out the silver medal.
“I don’t want silver medals. I don’t keep silver medals, so I gave it away,” the irritated Roma boss later told Movistar.
Another scene was created by Roma’s fans, who attempted to attack England referee Anthony Taylor at the airport. According to Budapest security agents and the airport officials, the coach was escorted safely out of the airport.
A statement from Budapest Airport said criminal proceedings had begun against a man who had been charged with affray after the incident.
It read: “Fans of the losing Roma team recognised the referee in the food court of the airport, where he was waiting for his flight to depart.
“Thanks to the airport operator’s close co-operation with the police and the increased police presence at the airport during the arrival and departure of the fans, the authorities intervened immediately, and the referee was escorted to a lounge and boarded his flight safely, accompanied by police officers.
“The Italian citizen involved in the incident was apprehended by the police and criminal proceedings have been initiated on charges of affray.
“There were no further disturbances at the airport following the police response to this isolated incident. Budapest Airport and the police wish to make it clear that there is zero tolerance towards violence of any kind towards passengers or staff working at the airport.”