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For those who, during these times of holiday cheer, are hoping for the quick return of their favorite Portuguese manager (hidden perhaps, in the gift bag of Santa Claus… not much of a stretch from laundry baskets), rejoice! The ‘Special One’ is back!

From Chelsea FC to Sports TV, the ex-Chelsea coach will be hosting a one-man show programme every Saturday evening called… “I’m on Setanta Sports“.

JOSÉ MOURINHO is back in business — but the Special One has made a surprising career choice.

After turning down the opportunity to coach England, Mourinho decided there was only one role he could possibly accept. Instead of kicking his heels over Christmas the ex-Chelsea boss has signed up with … wait for it, Setanta (the international sports broadcasting TV channel)!

Yes, Mourinho has joined Des Lynam and Co to help promote Sultana’s football coverage.

Contain your enthusiasm (or disappointment) folks, the protagonist of the TV show will be, yes, José Mourinho… but in puppet version!

Much like the Spanish newspaper Marca was doing with Fabio Capello in its “Marcatoons” section, the Mourinho-puppet will have the essential body features of the Portugeezer in action, including his ‘Special’ hair and heavy latin accent.

Speaking of Capello, for Mourinho’s first episode (available on The Sun‘s homepage, or alternatively directly on YouTube), one of the topics of conversation was precisely the ex-Real Madrid manager. The ‘Special One’ asked his viewers to express their opinion on appointment of the Italian (dubbed as “Cabbage-man Capello” for the occasion) at the helm of the Three Lions, by texting “HAPPY” or “NOT HAPPY” to the TV station (obviously to a number with a ‘Special’ £10 (!!) rate). These were the results:

Are you happy with the new England coach?
Happy with cabbage	7%
Not happy with cabbage	40%
No cabbage. Bring back Special One	53%

How surprising.

The rest of the show is organized like a news TV journal of sorts, starting with the main topics of the day (reviewed and corrected “Portugal-style”). Viewers call the TV station live, in order to ask José his opinion on a variety of football-related matters. Especially interesting were the calls of Frank (Lampard) and Claude (Makelele) from London, telling Mourinho they “miss him” and that the “magic is gone“. As for Didier (Drogba), he was almost in tears when he begged José to “please come back, please come back“. Brilliant.

At some point, Mourinho even receives the call of Roman Abramovich, asking “Why you defy me? I told you, no more job in England!“. José pretends not to recognize his former employer at first, but as soon as Abramovich mentions buying Setanta in order to fire José again, the Portuguese coach signals his TV directors to cut the line off.

The episode ends on some ‘Special’ holiday wishes:

It is the season of Christmas, the season of the Lord. But not only season of the Lord, it also favorite season of José, that is why if you put word “José” into predictive text of your mobile phone now, you will see that this is a very special Christmas. Do it. You see? It’s fantastic!

Be champions!

For some riots of laughter, check out José’s “I’m on Setanta Sports” programme every Saturday at 17:15 UK.

For your viewing pleasure, a preview of the show before it went live, the first 2 episodes, the Christmas ‘Special’, and a ‘Shaddup your face’ audio parody (by José, featuring Roman) are available below.

Merry Christmas everyone!

• Preview of “I’m on Setanta Sports” before the premiere
• “I’m on Setanta Sports” – Episode 1
• “I’m on Setanta Sports” – Episode 2
• “I’m on Setanta Sports” – Christmas Special
• “Shaddup your face” Chelsea Parody
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Posted in English Premiership, Managers, Miscellaneous, World News |

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 26th, 2007 at 12:00 am and is filed under English Premiership, Managers, Miscellaneous, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.