Jose Mourinho’s First Spell At Chelsea

As a part of our series of articles covering the most important managerial changes in the Premier League era, today we will be looking at how Chelsea’s appointment of Jose Mourinho changed their fortunes and turned them into serial winners, laying the foundation of their success in the 2000’s and beyond.

In our first article on this topic we looked at how Unai Emery’s Aston Villa has been buoyed by the Spaniard replacing Steven Gerrard. You can read that article here.

When José Mourinho arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2004, he boldly declared himself the “Special One”, a nickname that would come to define his highly successful and transformative tenure at the London club.

His first spell at Chelsea from 2004 to 2007 not only revolutionised the club, but also left a lasting impact on the Premier League as a whole. This article explores the strategic changes, key achievements, and effects of Chelsea appointing Mourinho as manager.

Early Days and Tactical Innovations

Mourinho took charge of Chelsea after a successful stint with FC Porto, where he had won the UEFA Champions League. He was immediately backed by Chelsea’s new owner, Roman Abramovich, who provided substantial funds to assemble a world-class team.

Mourinho’s first season (2004-05) was marked by significant signings, including Didier Drogba, Petr Čech, and Ricardo Carvalho, who would all prove to be the backbone of Chelsea’s success.

Tactically, Mourinho implemented a rigid and disciplined 4-3-3 formation, which was somewhat atypical in the Premier League at the time. His strategy emphasised a strong defensive structure, quick counter-attacks, and meticulous game management.

The foundation of Mourinho’s Chelsea was its defence, where John Terry’s leadership and Carvalho’s tactical awareness were complemented by the robust midfield presence of Frank Lampard and Claude Makélélé.

Record-Breaking Achievements

The 2004-05 season saw Chelsea claim their first Premier League title in 50 years, setting several records in the process. They finished with 95 points, a record at the time, and conceded only 15 goals all season, showcasing Mourinho’s defensive mastery.

Additionally, Chelsea recorded 25 clean sheets and secured the title with a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on April 30, 2005.

The following season (2005-06), Chelsea successfully defended their Premier League title, amassing 91 points. This back-to-back triumph served as proof of Mourinho’s ability to maintain high standards and competitiveness within his squad.

Cup Success and European Challenges

Alongside their domestic league success, Mourinho’s Chelsea also excelled in cup competitions.

They won the League Cup twice, in 2004-05 and 2006-07, and the FA Cup in 2007. However, European success eluded Mourinho, with Chelsea reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2004-05 and 2006-07, but failing to advance to the final on both occasions.

The 2004-05 League Cup victory was particularly dramatic, as Chelsea came from behind to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in extra time, with Mourinho famously shushing the Liverpool fans during the match.

Chelsea v Liverpool 2005 League Cup Final in Full

This victory was particularly important, as it not only secured Mourinho’s first trophy in England, but also set the tone for a period of dominance of English football for Chelsea under the Portuguese manager.

Stats’ Highlights and Legacy

Statistically, Mourinho’s Chelsea was formidable. Over the three full seasons with Mourinho at the helm, Chelsea won 67% of their Premier League matches, scoring 241 goals and conceding just 85 in the league.

Mourinho was named Premier League Manager of the Month five times, reflecting his tactical acumen and the consistency of his team’s performances.

Mourinho’s influence extended beyond the pitch. He instilled a winning mentality at Chelsea that persisted long after his departure. His proactive approach to games, focus on mental toughness, and tactical flexibility influenced not only Chelsea, but also their Premier League rivals, who began to adopt similar strategies.

Conclusion

José Mourinho’s first spell at Chelsea was characterised by groundbreaking success and significant transformations. His strategic foresight, combined with a pragmatic approach to management and game tactics, led to a period of unprecedented success for Chelsea, firmly establishing them as a powerhouse in both English and European football.

While he left Chelsea in September 2007, the legacy of his achievements and the standards he set continue to influence the club and English football to this day.

Mourinho’s transformative first tenure at Chelsea is a testament to his expertise and his unique personality, which continues to make him one of the most respected and controversial figures in the world of football.

His initial spell at Chelsea not only changed the club’s trajectory but also altered the landscape of the Premier League, setting new benchmarks for success and professionalism in the league.