Jose Mourinho was a fiery Portuguese football manager and has been a major force in the game for years. Known for his tactical knowledge and strong willed style of approach, Jose has led several top clubs to victory. Mourinho management decisions haven’t always been spot on. Take a look at these 10 football players, each bursting with potential, who were sold off too early during Mourinho’s tenure. From Mohamed Salah to Romelu Lukaku these lads had the talent, but somehow slipped through Mourinho’s fingers only to shine elsewhere in the football world.
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Mohamed Salah
Remember that time Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian football wizard, couldn’t quite find his groove at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho‘s watch? It was a rough patch. Mourinho’s tough love style didn’t quite mesh with Salah’s potential leaving the lad feeling sidelined. But hold on, after a stint in Italy, Salah roared back into the Premier League with Liverpool in 2017, setting records on fire and becoming a sensation. Goals, assists and accolades galore – the lad’s become a force to reckon with, leaving many to wonder what could have been if Mourinho had seen his potential back then. Salah has become one of the most deadlist finishers in the world having won everything in club football from FA cup, Premier league to Champions League.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne didnt get the oppereunity you wanted at Chelsea with big players ahead of him at the time, Lampard, Ballack, Essien and Obi Mikel. After leaving Chelsea, De Bruyne’s career skyrocketed. One of the best playmakers out there sparking magic on the pitch for Manchester City and the Belgian national team. Goals, assists and mesmerising performances he’s become a true footballing wizard, making many wonder what could have been if Mourinho had given him more of a shot back then. Last season ’23 season he helped Manchester City win the treble FA cup PL and Champions League.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan had a bit of a bumpy ride during his short stint with Manchester United It wasn’t smooth sailing. Mkhitaryan was under Mourinho’s guidance at AS Roma again but now he is at Inter Milan. Mkhitaryan also had a breif spell at Arsenal too, before moving to Manchester United, he was at Borussia Dortmund with an impressive record scoring 41 goals and dishing out 49 assists in a whopping 140 games.
Adnan Januzaj
Adnan Januzaj the talented Belgian wonderkid, Januzaj made his mark at Real Sociedad and later at Sevilla, it’s worth noting that things could have panned out differently. Some say Jose Mourinho’s decisions back then might have influenced Januzaj’s path. The lad showed promise, but perhaps didn’t quite reach the heights expected of him. Nonetheless, his journey in Spain has been a rollercoaster, and football fans still wonder what could have been if things had played out differently in his earlier days.
Daley Blind
After bidding adieu to Manchester United, the lad didn’t slow down one bit. His performances at Ajax and later at Bayern Munich were top-notch. Not to mention his partnership with Chris Smalling at United had a solid defensive record Smalling was the defensive unit who would break his hip trying to pass Blind was the ball playing one. Blind even went on to clinch the Bundesliga title with Bayern, he still going strong representing the Netherlands national team at the age of 33. Would of been interesting to see if Blind stayed at Manchester United now that Ten Hag is there.
David Luiz
After just a season under Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea, the decision was made to send the Brazilian defender packing to PSG for a hefty £50 million. Luiz time in France actually helped him and PSG clinching back-to-back Ligue 1 titles. Chelsea resigned him in 2016 for £34m, playing a key role in securing the Premier League title under Antonio Conte. With over 100 appearances for Chelsea in his second stint the lad’s contribution was undeniable. However in 2019 David Luiz he did the unthinkable and moved to Arsenal marking yet another chapter in his eventful career.
Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson signed from rivlas West Ham, Glen was up and coming right back Johnson made 72 apps in 3 seasons at Chelsea. Glen had a stint at Portsmouth where they won the FA cup 07/08 Johnson’s skills shone through, earning him praise for his contributions on the pitch. Where he got another move to Liverpool. Mourinho’s decision to part ways with Johnson raised a few eyebrows, leaving many to ponder the implications of that choice.
Leonardo Bonucci
The departure of Leonardo Bonucci, the Italian defensive powerhouse, raised a few eyebrows. However, fast forward to the present, and Bonucci’s subsequent success paints an interesting picture. Bonucci became one of the best Italian defenders out there earning accolades and admiration for his performances. With a tale of departure, growth, and achievements, the story of Bonucci’s footballing journey continues to spark discussions among fans and pundits alike.
Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben probably one of the best one footed player ever, played 106 for Chelsea over 3 seasons, Robben made the switch to Real Madrid making waves in the football world with his mesmerising performances. Some say Mourinho’s influence on their dynamic might have played a role in the tale of Robben’s departure. Robben went on to win La Liga, Bundesliga, Super Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Romelu Lukaku
His departure from Chelsea back in the day was quite the talking point, mate. But hold on, fast forward a bit, and Lukaku’s journey led him to impressive heights, scoring goals left, right, and centre for various clubs across Europe. Oh, and here’s the kicker – his reunion with Mourinho at Manchester United and later at AS Roma added another chapter to his tale. Lukaku’s story continues to be anomaly he is Belguim top goalscorer with 75 at time of writing but his trophies or lack of in club level, leaving many to wonder what could have been if things had played out differently back in the day.
Catch you in the next one.