The Attention of the Masses Turns Towards Jose Mourinho as the Portuguese Coach Reveals a Rare Moment of Emotional Vulnerability in His Coaching Career.
With his outspoken personality, Jose Mourinho is widely regarded as quite forthright in the coaching world, showing no hesitation in confronting anyone. Hence, Mourinho, who was dismissed by Roma in mid-January this year, caused a stir by disclosing the only instance of shedding tears in his coaching career during a recent interview with the media.
Mourinho admitted to crying after Real Madrid’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2012 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The clash between Real and Bayern in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final that year is considered by many as one of the greatest matches in the history of the prestigious Champions League tournament.
In the first leg, Bayern secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. As the return match unfolded, the hosts, Real Madrid, emerged victorious with a matching scoreline of 2-1. With an aggregate score of 3-3, the match proceeded to extra time and subsequently to a tense penalty shootout. Ultimately, Bayern triumphed in the shootout with a score of 3-2, advancing to the final, where they were defeated by Chelsea at the Allianz Arena.
Of note, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a downturn after missing his penalty kick during the shootout. Mourinho, represented by Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, visited Ronaldo’s home to offer consolation.
“I cried, of course not on the field or in the dressing room. But I cried while driving home. And as I was on my way home, I received a call from Jorge Mendes saying ‘Help me with something. Come to Cristiano’s house, because he’s really down,'” Mourinho recalled. “I told Mendes about my current state of mind as well as Ronaldo’s. But I promised to go to Ronaldo’s house to console him.”