Glenn Johnson believes the novelty factor of Jose Mourinho’s ‘Special One’ persona has worn off in England following his departure as Manchester United manager.
The Portuguese coach was once the darling of the British football media when he first came to the country as manager of Chelsea in 2004.
Mourinho boasted an air of confidence rarely seen in managers at the time, an arrogance that had a charming effect on fans and the press.
Of course he backed that up with success at Stamford Bridge – winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups, before a falling out with owner Roman Abramovich saw him leave for Inter in 2007.
But that celebrated arrogance has ultimately proven his downfall having been sacked from his last three jobs at the top level with Real Madrid, a second stint at Chelsea and at Man United.
His United exit was particularly painful to watch – this season saw the manager clash with players, club officials and even the same members of the press who adored him a decade earlier.
And Johnson, who joined talkSPORT on Monday to announce his retirement from football, admits he seemed a different person this season at Old Trafford.
Asked about what it was like playing under Mourinho, the former Chelsea defender – the club’s first signing under Roman Abramovich – told Jim White: “As soon as he walked through the door he was fantastic.
“He was great with the players, but if you were not in the team, those were the guys who would fall out with him. For the main squad, though, he’d be a gem to work for.
“I thought he was great, we got on well. For the last six months I didn’t play too much, so the relationship wasn’t as good as it was from the start, but that’s football.
“He’d have a way with the big players and the media guys, everyone loved him.
“When that was all new, fresh and different at the time, people loved it, whereas now they might have started to get a bit bored with it.
“And then when he does something which is not like himself, it gives people an opportunity to jump on him.”
Johnson added that he felt Mourinho looked ‘drained’ during his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford, although believes the manager still has plenty to offer the game at the top level.
“It was a bit strange and almost a bit unlike him really [at Manchester United],” said the former England international.
“For whatever reason, whether we’ll know or not, something just didn’t click and I don’t think he was as happy as he could have been.
“He came across a bit drained.
“But I think we’ll see him back, and I hope so too. He’s got a lot to offer the game still.”