Football Dynasty-Chapter 522: Mourinho’s First Press Conference

Chapter 522: Mourinho’s First Press Conference
"CITY AXE O’NEILL AFTER WOEFUL RUN"
Chairman Richard Maddox released a brief statement thanking O’Neill for his service but emphasized the need for "a new direction and a new identity."
Fans remain divided: some argue O’Neill deserved more time, others insist the decision was overdue.
The decision raises more questions than answers: Who will take over?
Many names immediately appeared in the media — Bobby Robson, Peter Reid (a former City player and fan favourite), Joe Royle (fresh off his spell at Everton), and Sam Allardyce, who was currently revolutionising Notts County in the Second Division. Of course, the club quickly dismissed all those rumours.
"For the remainder of the half-season, first-team duties will be handled by the current assistant manager as caretaker manager, while the club begins its search for a permanent replacement."
Just like that, a deal that would change the European football landscape was made without any grand ceremony—simply between a man looking toward the future and another determined to achieve more.
Sitting back in his chair, Richard looked genuinely pleased with the outcome.
"We’ll announce your appointment as soon as possible. But you should know— as a coach who hasn’t fully proven himself yet, you’ll face plenty of challenges and enormous pressure."
Mourinho nodded. He had already considered that. After all, what manager
doesn’t
work under pressure?
"I understand. I’ll need to wrap things up quickly. I’ve been here for half a year, so I think I’ll adapt fast."
"Nothing will rush you," Richard waved his hand dismissively, "but still, I’ll arrange for you to meet the current staff at the club. I think they’ll want to hear your vision."
Mourinho paused to think. While he had already requested several staff members he wanted, there were still a few left over from O’Neill’s era. But since they were under Richard’s authority, Mourinho remained completely open-minded about it.
As he stood up, Richard gave him a firm clap on the shoulder.
"You’re about to step into a new world, José. City is a club with a passionate fanbase, but they’re not always patient. They’ll demand results—but they’ll also want a team that fights for the badge. If you can give them that, they’ll love you forever."
Mourinho smiled. Though he had never given Manchester City much thought before, from this moment on, it felt as if they had always been his favorite club since childhood.
"I’ll do my best, Mr. Richard. That’s all I can promise."
Richard grinned.
"That’s all anyone can ask for. Now, let’s get to work."
Since Mourinho wasn’t new here, he only needed to familiarize himself with the responsibilities of being the new manager.
Richard let him do as he pleased. ’
Time to get to work,’
he said to himself.
The first Premier League matches of 1999 include Coventry City’s 4–0 home win over Nottingham Forest — the visitors’ 18th consecutive league game without a victory. Southampton also beat fellow relegation strugglers Charlton Athletic 3–1 at The Dell.
Two high-scoring games light up the Premier League as Dwight Yorke and Robbie Fowler score hat-tricks for their respective clubs. Manchester United thrash Leicester City 6–2 at Filbert Street, while Liverpool demolish Southampton 7–1 at Anfield.
Just as Liverpool fans are celebrating their team’s avalanche of goals, devastating news breaks: Steve McManaman agrees to join Real Madrid at the end of the season.
On the Manchester City side, it didn’t take long for the club to successfully poach Baltemar Brito, Rui Faria, and Silvino Louro to fill the vacancies in the backroom staff.
The only problem came from Aurélio Pereira, as Sporting CP refused to let him go, making it difficult for Richard to achieve any breakthrough in the attempt to poach him.
With this, Manchester City’s new backroom staff structure was almost complete:
Manager: José Mourinho
Assistant Manager: Baltemar Brito
Assistant/Coach: Rui Faria
Fitness Coach: Antonio Pintus
Goalkeeping Coach: Silvino Louro
Head Scout: André Villas-Boas
Analyst: Ramm Mylvaganam
Before the start of the Premier League season, as usual, there would be a press conference where the new caretaker manager faced the media.
At Maine Road, the atmosphere was lively. Even though the season hadn’t ended, City’s decision to sack O’Neill midway through the campaign made the event even more dramatic.
The sounds of camera shutters clicking and ers murmuring filled the room, highlighting the importance of the moment.
At the front, beneath the podium adorned with Manchester City’s golden eagle emblem, Richard and Mourinho stood with calm, commanding presence.
Richard stepped forward and tapped the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us. Today marks a new Chapter for Manchester City. It is my privilege to introduce José Mourinho, our new head coach who will lead Manchester City."
Mourinho offered a professional smile. Dressed in a sharp suit, with his naturally black hair and youthful appearance, he looked barely in his early to mid-twenties.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is an honor to be here as the head coach of Manchester City. It truly feels like a dream."
The gathered journalists applauded—not necessarily out of excitement, but because they had been invited by the club, and certain formalities were expected. Symbolic applause was one of them.
Richard sighed internally. ’
So this is what they call the manager’s honeymoon period.’
He had no doubt that soon enough, the media would be giving Mourinho headaches on a near-daily basis. Nonetheless, now was the time to reassure the fans and set the tone for his tenure.
Mourinho then began.
"I’m fully aware that Manchester City is unlike any club I have coached or worked for before. It is a giant in football, with passionate fans around the world and a proud history in the Premier League. It also has some of the most loyal players I know, like Ronaldo. Just with him alone, the club already has a strong foundation to compete. But beyond that, we have young talents like Deco, Stanković, and Trezeguet, as well as fighters like Makelele. I will do my utmost to unlock the full potential of this team."
"As for the fans, I won’t ask for your support blindly. I understand that I have yet to prove myself in this city, and I recognize the challenges ahead, especially considering last season’s results. I know how much you love this club—some of you perhaps even before I was born. So for the love you have for Manchester City, I ask that you give these players the chance to redeem themselves for last season’s shortcomings. Give me the chance to prove myself. And together, let us unite and work toward restoring this club to the heights where it truly belongs."
The speech was met with another round of applause—this time more genuine. Mourinho’s words resonated with the fans and journalists present. It wasn’t just empty rhetoric; he had shown a deep understanding of the team and its culture.
Even those who were skeptical of his appointment had to admit he had a presence about him—a confidence that was infectious.
After a brief pause, one of the journalists, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a gaze sharp as a blade, stood up with a microphone in hand.
"Mr. Mourinho, welcome to Manchester City. Your appointment came as a surprise to many, given your age and the fact that you haven’t coached at this level before. How do you respond to concerns that you might lack the experience to manage a club of this stature?"
Given the man’s age, it wasn’t surprising to see him here. He was a veteran journalist from the
Manchester Evening News
—a familiar figure in City press conferences.
Mourinho smiled—not defensive, but steady; his expression carried a quiet confidence."I completely understand those concerns. It’s true that I am not a former world-class player, nor have I managed a club in the Champions League before. But football isn’t won on paper or by reputation alone. It is won through preparation, strategy, and execution. I have spent years studying this game, working behind the scenes at different clubs, analyzing every detail—from tactics to player development. And now, I have the privilege of putting that knowledge into practice at one of the greatest clubs in England."
Some journalists nodded, while others scribbled frantically. Don’t assume those notes were just for show—they were indeed writing something, though likely to be published later in a slightly distorted form.
"My role is not to be a superstar name that excites people with my past achievements. My role is to ensure that this team plays to its full potential—that the players grow and improve, and that we build a team that not only wins but plays football that makes the fans proud. I don’t expect anyone to trust me blindly. I only ask that you judge me by the results on the pitch."
The ers exchanged glances. They were genuinely surprised by Mourinho’s confidence—especially his statement that he didn’t need anything except a chance to prove himself.
Usually, when new managers arrive, they immediately ask for patience: time to adjust, time to implement tactics, time to settle. That way, when they lose the first few matches, they can blame "transition."
But Mourinho was different. He spoke as if he believed the fans would enjoy his football right away. His confidence didn’t just shock the journalists and fans at the venue; it also stunned many who were watching the press conference live. Among those viewers were two individuals who were very different—because they were not just fans.
Richard nodded, clearly liking Mourinho’s attitude. He preferred people who let results speak instead of relying on empty words. At the very least, the future
Special One
had only asked for one thing—time to prove himself. Nothing more.
Over the years, what kind of manager hadn’t he seen? As a warrior on the pitch and now in the boardroom, he had always been pragmatic. Temptations, setbacks, pressure—he had experienced them all. Yet, in the end, what shaped him were his decisions alone.
By this point, the press conference had moved far past the stage of formal introductions. Journalists began asking more pointed questions—what new players would be signed, who would be leaving, and what changes to expect.
"I know that every team has areas that can be improved. The same applies to us," Mourinho said calmly. "But I don’t think that’s the most important thing. What matters is that this team only needs players who understand what this shirt represents. Our players are very talented. Instead of rushing to bring in mercenaries, we should give them chances and unlock their potential."
Mourinho’s answer was clear—and strategic. After all, he currently had no authority over transfers. Unless he proved himself, as Richard had warned him beforehand, he wouldn’t have much influence on signings. So it was better to win early favor from the fans.
Sure enough, the audience applauded again. In this football-mad city, where supporters prized hard work and loyalty, his vote of confidence in the players earned him some respect.
Richard nodded approvingly as he listened.
"Smart," he murmured. He’s not overpromising, not making excuses, and most importantly, he’s backing the players already here.
When a new coach arrives—regardless of whether he’s world-class or relatively unknown—every player becomes anxious. No one knows who the coach will trust, who he’ll drop, or whom he might blame to establish authority. Even Ronaldo couldn’t be completely sure his place was guaranteed.
Back at the press conference, another journalist raised his hand. This one looked younger, perhaps in his early thirties, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Sir, you mentioned trusting the current players and not bringing in ’mercenaries.’ Does that mean we shouldn’t expect any major signings this summer?"
"Football is unpredictable. If the right player becomes available and fits what we need, of course we will consider it. But I won’t chase big names for their own sake. We already have a strong squad, and my priority is to ensure every player here knows they have an important role."
After all, he couldn’t predict Richard’s transfer plans. Better not make promises he might later regret.
Another journalist, this time more provocative, raised his voice:
"You talk about maximizing the squad’s potential. But last season, City struggled in key matches. If you’re so confident in the current players, are you implying that O’Neill failed to get the best out of them?"
Richard frowned instantly. When he spotted the journalist, he cursed internally. ’
The Sun... of course.’
For them, it didn’t matter what plan Richard or Manchester City had. They only cared about sensational headlines. Mourinho, however, stayed composed. He knew exactly what game was being played. Journalists loved controversy; one careless sentence could ignite unnecessary drama.
He paused, then leaned forward slightly—calm, focused, and firm. "I have immense respect for Martin O’Neill," he said evenly. "Football is dynamic, and a coach’s success isn’t defined by a single season. He is a brilliant tactician with a clear philosophy, and his work here laid an important foundation."
Some ers nodded while others waited for the twist.
"That being said, every coach has a different approach. What I aim to do is bring out the best in these players in my own way. Football isn’t just about tactics—it’s about mentality, cohesion, and belief. I believe in this team, and I trust that we can take the necessary steps forward together."
"Well said," Richard applauded quietly under his breath.
The Sun er scowled slightly but chose not to push further. Another journalist quickly seized the chance.
"You emphasize mentality. Can you elaborate on what changes you plan to introduce in that regard?"
"For me, mentality is the foundation of success," Mourinho replied. "Talent alone isn’t enough—you need hunger, resilience, and the willingness to fight for every ball, every minute. That is what separates good teams from great ones. We’ll work on instilling that competitive edge in training. Every player will understand their role and responsibility. When they believe in themselves, that confidence will show on the pitch."
He paused, then added with conviction:
"Never say die. I want that phrase to define my team. No matter how many goals we concede, how many injuries we face, or how little time remains—we fight. Always. I want every opponent to feel fear when they score against us, because they know we will retaliate even harder."
"One final question," a journalist called out. "What should City fans expect from your team this season?"
Mourinho’s eyes held a confident glint. "Progress. Passion. Football that excites and makes them proud. We will definitely achieve something this season. With the team’s current foundation, we will be there..." He paused, then continued, "...to compete for the Champions League."
"...!!"
Champions League?!
Considering City’s current position, the new manager actually dared to talk about the Champions League?!
With that, the press conference came to an end. But of course, Mourinho’s answer—especially the last one—would definitely spark headlines in the coming days.