Jose Mourinho ended his three-year reign as Real Madrid coach with a
4-2 win over Osasuna in La Liga today in a match where he was cheered
and whistled in equal measure by a two-thirds full Bernabeu.
The 50-year-old has agreed by mutual consent to leave the club,
despite having three years left on his contract, and is widely expected
to return to his former team Chelsea.
Gonzalo Higuain, Michael Essien, Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon
scored as an under-strength Real side ended the season in second place
behind champions and arch-rivals Barcelona.
Mourinho, who finishes a campaign without a major trophy for the
first time in his career, was the centre of attention at a game with
nothing riding on it but he maintained a silence he has held since
losing the King's Cup final two weeks ago.
"We respect his decision (to leave), as do the club, and we wish him luck," Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa told reporters.
"Everyone knows we have taken a big step forward in terms of
competitiveness and we know we could have achieved so much more but
because of details and a lack of luck it wasn't to be.
"He has got some things right and made some mistakes like everyone
but he has given his all and defended Real Madrid above all else."
Mourinho won the King's Cup in his first year, La Liga with a record
points haul of 100 points last season, and the Spanish Super Cup at the
start of this campaign.
Frustrated fans
He also led the side to the last four of the Champions League three
years in a row but his failure to reach the final with one of the
world's most expensive squads frustrated fans.
As this season faltered Mourinho's confrontations with his squad, in
particular captain Iker Casillas and Pepe, saw divisions emerge within
the dressing room and in the stands, as was evident against Osasuna.
The Portuguese did little to humour the home support, leaving
Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso out of the squad, and
played fourth-choice keeper Jesus Fernandez instead of fan-favourite
Casillas who was also omitted.
As has become the norm in recent weeks Mourinho's name was whistled
before kickoff when it was read out over the public address system.
He stayed in the tunnel until the game started when he moved into the dugout but he was uanble to avoid the limelight.
The referee had to halt the match a few minutes in as a scrum of
photographers and camera crews caused a disturbance on the touchline
when Mourinho stood up in the technical area.
Stewards had to herd the photographers off the pitch while Real's
hardcore fans, the 'Ultra Sur', chanted his name from behind one goal
but a good portion of the stadium whistled in response.
Captain Higuain, who is also expected to leave the club, opened the
scoring after 35 minutes when he spun away from his marker and advanced
to fire in Real's 100th goal of the campaign.
It is the fourth year in a row the nine-times European champions have reached that landmark.
Essien dedication
Three minutes later on-loan Essien nodded in a corner and ran across
to dedicate the goal to Mourinho who brought him to Madrid from Chelsea.
Osasuna, like Real with nothing left to play for, pulled one back
early in the second half with a raking low shot from Roberto Torres and
Alvaro Cejudo headed an equaliser soon after.
A superb piece of skill by Mesut Ozil set up Karim Benzema for Real's
third before Jose Callejon wrapped up the scoring in the 87th minute.
At the final whistle Mourinho came out of the dugout and waved to the
hardcore fans who had chanted his name, turned and quickly left the
pitch.
Once the majority of the supporters had left the stadium, Mourinho returned to salute the 'Ultra Sur'.
Mourinho's parting words to fans were posted in a brief statement on the Real website on Friday evening.
"I wish everyone associated with Real Madrid much happiness in the future," he said.
"I appreciate the support of lots of fans and respect the criticism
of others. Once again a lot of happiness to everyone and, above all,
good health. Hala Madrid."
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