The Shels boss shared a brilliant exchange between him and his former Chelsea manager.
Damien Duff has revealed details of a message of support Jose Mourinho sent him shortly before his team took to the pitch for their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title decider against Derry City last night.
Shelbourne celebrated their first title win in 18 years thanks to an 85th-minute goal from Harry Wood.
The celebrations on the pitch were wild as Duff jumped for joy and embraced members of his coaching staff and players.
Speaking to the Irish Independent after the game, the 45-year-old described how he surprised his team with a video message from the Fenerbahce manager in the hotel just hours before kick-off.
“’Why Jose?’ Because do I try and build, have we tried to build a siege mentality, us against the world like he did? Absolutely.
“It would be mad not to tap into him. So Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, there was posts on the Instagram page. Powerful lyrics, powerful words that would resonate and have a meaning to tie in for tonight.
“Then, in the team meeting [today], there was a private message from Jose speaking about what it takes to win a title as a team, as an individual. It blew the guys away. A video that was shown in the Everglades two hours before the game.”
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Duff added that he tried Facetime Mourinho in the dressing room after the game, promising to put €500 into the players’ celebration kitty if the Fenerbahce manager didn’t answer. Unfortunately for Duff and fortunately for the players, the call wasn’t picked up.
“I’ll put a monkey on the drinking tab tomorrow,” joked the Ballyboden man.
“I died on the pitch for Jose, that’s what I’ve always done. Everyone hated Chelsea, everyone hates us, blah, blah, blah. Another chapter in the story.
“I told the lads beforehand that the last time I felt that mentality and feeling was with the Chelsea 2005 group,” he continued.
“We’d sweat blood and tears for each other and I haven’t tasted it since but I’ve tasted it for the last few years with these guys.
Damien Duff and his Shelbourne side will arrive back at Tolka this afternoon for celebrations with their home fans. Gates open at 1pm and it’s free entry for all.
