Dancing to the Tune of Jose Mourinho

American poet, Maya Angelou famously said “there’s a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure the truth.” this very quote is applicable in José Mourinho’s predicament at the moment.
After months of speculation linking him to his formal club, Chelsea and French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, the Real Madrid boss finally made a statement about his future today.
“Ability to resign? I planned to continue”
That was Mourinho’s response to journalist who asked him about his future today during the press conference. The statement will no doubt come as a blow to all who thought his move away from the Spanish capital will become a reality at the end of the season. Apart from that, it completely renders all the rumours about him becoming the next Chelsea manager useless. But looking at things from another perspective does it?
It is a known fact that Jose Mourinho still has a valid contract with the club beyond the current campaign. Therefore there are only three ways by which he can leave Madrid at the end of the season. The first option is for him to resign. The second option is for him to be sacked. While the last option is that his contract be bought out. which means Real Madrid will be paid a certain amount which will enable Mourinho to terminate his contract.
Going by the three options given above, it means Mourinho’s statement can be viewed in different perspectives.
He Might Be Trying To Hold Out For A Chunk Of Florentino’s Money
There is an unwritten rule in business pertaining to contracts signed between an employer and en employee. If the employer is sacked before his contracts runs out , a sum of money is paid to him – severance pay or severance package. This is usually the case in all situations except if it is otherwise stated in the contract.
Going by this principle, José Mourinho might be trying to get his severance before he leaves the club. Saying that he will continue at Madrid next season especially with all the problems on ground is like trying to get Florentino Perez to cave in so that he will be fully compensated.
According to Marca, the players talking with Jose Mourinho are very few. The ones that matter – the likes of Casillas, Ramos etc. have been alienated. It means there is division in the dressing – a situation which the Madrid hierarchy will not be happy with. Whether the rumour is true or not, there are indicative signs that something is wrong in the dressing room.
The club captain, Iker Casillas have struggled to get into José Mourinho’s preferred eleven over the past few months. This might be unconnected to the speculation that the pair fell out with each other. Former Sevilla man, Diego Lopez has been preferred to Casillas in recent times – a situation most of the players did not accept.
Jose Mourinho has also attacked some of his players in the press with Portuguese center back Pepe is the recent casualty. José attacked his countryman during the press conference earlier in the day saying the 31-year-old is frustrated because he has lost his spot to French youngster, Raphael Varane.

“Pepe’s problem has a name – Raphael Varane. I only speak of Pepe because you have asked me about him. I was not going to talk about Pepe.
“Any normal person in this room will know that we are talking about frustration. it is not easy for a man of 31, with status and a past, being replaced by a 19-year-old boy. But it is the law of life.
“Who has had the courage to select the boy? Me. Pepe’s life has changed, at a sporting level. Furthermore, it is a decision of mine, few of which are made in public.
“I have no problem with him, I understand that it is not an easy situation but i have to try and be honest and I think that only few people will think that the future of Madrid in defence is Varane and Sergio Ramos.”

All these (and more) are signs that Mourinho cannot possibly be thinking of staying with Madrid – not when he has lost the dressing room.
He Might Be Playing Mind-Games
Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho are revered in the world of football for their mind games. t is not uncommon for José Mourinho to tell the media exactly what they want to hear for the sake of it. Over his last 3 encounters with the press, José Mourinho has said different things.
The Portuguese hinted strongly that he is heading back to England after Real Madrid were dumped out of the UEFA champions League by Borussia Dortmund.

“I know in England I am loved by the fans, by the media that they treat fairly: criticizing me when I deserve it but also giving me credit where I deserve it. I know I am loved by clubs, especially one. In Spain, it’s a big difference – some people hate me”

So the question is this; will he stay when he knows the media, a good number of the fans and players are against him?
One cant predict the future. This is football, anything can happen. What he said today points to the fact that he might stay. But the truth is that his future is not in Spain. Not after everything.
If José says he’s staying, it might be one of his classic mind games. Anything can still happen.
So What If He Meant It?
What if he believes that he still has unfinished business with Real Madrid? It is highly plausible. So far, Jose Mourinho has won the La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey. There is still the UEFA Champions League left.
José Mourinho is spurred on by challenges. The desire to add more trophies to the CV is something he has always embraced. Leaving a club better than it was in terms of trophies and records has always been important to the 50-year-old.
There is nothing stopping the on-going romance between him and Real Madrid. The problem he is facing is something that can be solved (even if the solution is not 100%). if José says he is staying, it might be the truth after all.
Final Verdict
The first option seems more likely. The statement might be a gamble for Mourinho. He has played is card. The ball is in Florentino’s court. since José is still under contract, it is up to Florentino Perez to sack him and pay him off or wait for the Roman Abramovich camp to get desperate and buy out José Mourinho’s contract (or activate his release clause if there is one) at Real Madrid.
Things will certainly get clearer by June. One thing is sure at the moment though, it is unlikely that Jose Mourinho will be at Madrid next season.
[Quotes – Football Espana, BBC]
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