Key Takeaways:
Mourinho's tenure at Porto showcased tactical brilliance and strategic flexibility.
Strategic transfers, including players like Ricardo Carvalho and Deco, bolstered the team.
Mourinho fulfilled his promise, leading Porto to a record-breaking league triumph.
Porto's UEFA Cup victory capped off a spectacular season under Mourinho's guidance.
The Champions League triumph, defeating giants like Manchester United and Monaco, solidified Mourinho's legendary status at Porto.
An individual that has brought immense success to almost ever club that has managed, and undoubtedly one of the greatest ever managers in the game. There's a reason why he's been referred to as the "Special One," Because Jose Mourinho would always be remembered as one of the most unique characters in football history. He arrived in England as Chelsea manager, and ended up dominating the League. His stint at Inter Milan saw them achieve a historic treble, and his next journey at Real Madrid saw him overcome Pep Guardiola's legendary Barcelona side to win the La Liga title. Jose has went on to achieve legendary feats in his managerial career, and we will be looking at a special one in this article. Let us roll back the years, and have a look at Mourinho's legendary Porto side that went on to make history.
Formation and Tactics
Mourinho's porto mostly played in a diamond 4-4-2 formation at the time, but they were highly flexible as well and often used a 4-3-1-2 system as well. The major highlights of his porto side were their aggressive high line play and ability to play in a very compressed shape at the same time. Mourinho's brilliance also meant that the team would often change their tactics according to their opposition, which was widely seen during Porto's Champions League run at the time.
The team and transfers
Mourinho identified several players of the Porto Squad at the time to be perfect for his team, these included the likes of Vítor Baía, Ricardo Carvalho, Costinha, Deco, Dmitri Alenichev and Hélder Postiga.
Numerous signings were made in the transfer window as well, with some of the major names being Nuno Valente and Derlei from União de Leiria, Paulo Ferreira from Vitória de Setúbal, and Maniche who was out of contract from Benfica.
Jose's first season with Porto
Mourinho joined the club when they were 5th position in the Portuguese league. They were also eliminated from the Taça de Portugal and also last place in their UEFA Champions League second group stage. Despite not winning any titles that season, Mourinho's team ended the season with 3rd position in the League. He also promised to make them Champions the next season.
The 2002–03 season
It was mourinho's first full season as Porto manager, and the Special One was expected to deliver this time. Mourinho identified the best players that were suitable for his team in the squad, and also brought in several players to further strengthen the team.
The promise that Mourinho made last season went on to be fulfilled, as Porto became League Champions with a then record 86 points. Porto won the Taça de Portugal as well, which saw the club overcome Mourinho's old side União de Leiria.They ended the season in spectacular fashion as well, with Porto beating Celtic to clinch the UEFA Cup.
His final season
After the massive achievements of the previous season, many believed the club has reached it's ceiling in terms of achieving greater success. However, the Special one went on to prove everyone wrong as his final season with the club ended up being one of the greatest in Porto history.
The season began in mixed fashion for Porto, as they won the Portuguese Super Cup, but lost the UEFA Super Cup to Milan. Porto's domination in the League continued just like last season, as the club were crowned champions 5 weeks before the season ended. However, they ended up losing the 2004 Taça de Portugal Final to Benfica.
It was in the Champions League that season where Porto had a major obstacle ahead of them from the very beginning, as they were grouped along with European kings Real Madrid. Marseille and Rangers were the other teams in the group. Porto managed to qualify to the next round after finishing second in the group.
It was in the round of 16 that Jose Mourinho ans his men went on to shock the whole world, as they beat Alex Ferguson's Manchester United 3-2 on aggregate after a goal at the very end of the game. Lyon and Deportivo were the next victims of Porto, as they ended up reaching the Champions League final.The final saw porto face Monaco, which saw Mourinho and his boys destroy Monaco 3-0. History was made, as the Special One ended up achieving the Impossible with Porto. Jose Mourinho eventually left Porto for Chelsea, leaving the club with legendary status.