Damien Duff is Jose Mourinho’s biggest fan.
The embattled Chelsea manager needs some support right now and the Shamrock Rovers winger has backed his former manager to “build a dynasty”.
The pair won two Premier League titles and a League Cup together at Stamford Bridge before Duff headed north for Newcastle in 2006, but speaking to the Daily Telegraph Duff recounts a much more recent example of Mourinho inspiring a great performance from the veteran.
For Fulham, against Chelsea.
“Two years ago at Stamford Bridge I was coming out into the tunnel and he [Mourinho] saw me and gave me a hug and a kiss.
“He said a couple of words in my ear and I went out there and had probably the best half of football I had all season. And he’s not even my manager,” said Duff, perhaps giving us a window into the positive powers of Mourinho, which we forget when he begins to glower and pout.
“At Chelsea it was his sheer presence. He has an amazing way with words. Sometimes it was just a look or a wink and you feel like you’re ready. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t have to say anything – it’s a look or a pat on the back. At the same time he is a fiery character. He just says it how it is. But he gets the best out of you.”
After five defeats in the opening 10 matches of their Premier League defence, the pressure is on the Chelsea manager to record a win at home this afternoon (12.45pm) against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Duff, who was instrumental in Rovers’ 5-3 win over Drogheda last night, advised Roman Abramovich to stick with Mourinho and give him the chance to rule the Bridge for a decade or more.
“For me he will always be the No 1,” said Duff. “It’s time to stick with him. There is talk of getting rid and replacing him. I know in the past at Chelsea that if a manager has struggled he has been out the door but Mourinho can build a dynasty. I would love to see him there in 10 years’ time.”
