Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jose Mourinho, Chelsea
John McDougall
New Fenerbache boss Jose Mourinho is no stranger to having fallouts and bust-ups at clubs - and a former Chelsea star once explained how he and the Portuguese came close to a 'tear up'.
The Portuguese recently returned to the dugout when he was announced at the new head coach of the Istanbul side for the latest job of his distinguished managerial career.
Mourinho had previously been at Italian side Roma, whom he led to the Europa Conference League title back in 2022, but parted company with in January.
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The 61-year-old has won silverware at almost every club he has managed, winning league titles in England, Portugal, Spain and Italy, plus the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.
Typically, Mourinho's time at clubs has ended with him departing at the pinnacle with lifting the Champions League, or leaving in a low point after results slip and change is needed in the dugout.
Mourinho has had several heated disagreements with players over the years, and during his time at Chelsea in his first stint in charge, the Portuguese came close to a bust-up with left-back Wayne Bridge.
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His Stamford Bridge playing time reduced under Mourinho, particularly when Ashley Cole joined from Arsenal in the summer of 2006.
And after one game when he was taken off following around 20 minutes, Bridge took out his frustration out on the dressing room and the only thing which stopped a 'tear up' with Mourinho afterwards was the fact Chelsea had lost the game in question.
Speaking to Coral in 2020, Bridge said: "I was playing really well at the time, and we were playing against Charlton.
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"We were 1-0 up when they equalised and immediately afterwards my number came up and I was subbed off for Ashley. I knew then that my time at Chelsea was up."
He added: "When Mourinho subbed me and Shaun Wright-Phillips off after 20 minutes, I came off and smashed the changing room up. I was so angry and my pride had really been dented. The only reason I didn't have a tear up with Jose after the game was because we'd lost.
"A week later I was back in the team. Jose does things differently to other managers and it could be difficult at times. He could be a tough person to play for.
"When you were in favour with him it was great, but when you weren't you could feel like an outcast. It definitely felt like he had his favourites and there were times where you wouldn't speak to him for weeks."
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Mourinho departed Chelsea for the first time in September 2007, while Bridge left the club for Manchester City in January 2009.
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