The self-proclaimed 'special one' is rarely one to hide away from a situation. However it emerged today that Mourinho managed to beat a Uefa touchline ban by doing just that, in the club's laundry basket. So that's where that sheepskin coat came from!The Chelsea boss was barred from contact with his players during both legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich in 2005. This was the punishment set by Uefa after his controversial remarks following the previous rounds game against Barcelona.
Mourinho however allegedly arrived early at Stamford Bridge, and managed to watch the game on TV from inside the dressing room. After delivering the pre-match and half-time talks, it is claimed he escaped the stadium in the club's laundry basket 10 mins before the final whistle, back to the Chelsea Village Leisure Club, where it is said he was situated all evening.
Such a long time has passed that Uefa are very unlikely to even look into the incident, yet if true, it may well have proved instrumental in Chelsea's 4-2 win that night, and could also be an indicator of just how far both Mourinho and Chelsea are prepared to go to secure success. Would it be unwise or unfair to think that with all their money, power and success, Chelsea see themselves as a cut above the rules, even those directed by Uefa.
Of course, Chelsea and their manager will deny the incident ever took place, as they focus on tomorrow's crunch Champions League semi-final with arch rival Liverpool. It is however another intriguing landmark, in the ever blossoming and controversial career of Jose Mourinho.
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