Paris: When Jose Mourinho showcased his motivational powers by guiding Inter Milan to the Champions League eight years ago, it cemented his reputation as the most ruthlessly effective coach in Europe.
The “Special One” — as he first called himself — danced with unabashed joy on Barcelona’s field and jabbed his finger in celebration after felling Europe’s team of the moment on the way to Inter’s unexpected success.
It was a massive coup.
But now, following a string of bad results and some high-profile clashes with star midfielder Paul Pogba at Manchester United, his aura is waning and he finds himself firmly on the back foot.
Has Mourinho lost his touch?
Perhaps not yet, but he is under significant pressure heading into Tuesday’s home game against Valencia and a loss to the Spanish team could push him nearer an embarrassing United exit.
The good news for Mourinho is that Valencia have won just one game this season, although that was on Saturday. Valencia lack firepower — mustering five goals so far — and United’s defence may get a welcome break after some sloppy performances.
An Old Trafford encounter in Group H between two struggling teams isn’t what Mourinho envisaged early into his third season in charge at United, although he did drop warnings in the off-season when he moaned about the lack of depth in his squad.
A week of torment saw United held by Wolverhampton, a modest Premier League newcomer, then knocked out of the League Cup at home by second-tier Derby before being soundly beaten 3-1 at West Ham on Saturday.
United’s Luke Shaw was candid in his assessment of the team’s performance against the Hammers.
“If you want the truth,” Shaw said. “I think it was honestly horrendous. We didn’t look like a team that was going to beat West Ham. I think individually and as a team we were awful.”
“We have to look at ourselves as players. We’re the ones who go on the pitch,” Shaw said. “The manager isn’t on the pitch, is he? He’s there to put a team out and put a team out that he thinks can win the game. You look at our team and we had a very strong team.”
Midfielder Juan Mata figures it is best to remained fairly tight-lipped ahead of the Champions League clash against Valencia after United won its group opener.
“It isn’t really a time for posts,” Mata wrote on his website, explaining the lack of detailed weekly blog on Monday. “I want to thank all of you who support us during these tough times. I understand your frustrations.”
Forward Alexis Sanchez, who has not looked anything like the player he was at former club Arsenal, could return against Valencia.
Swiss side Young Boys don’t have to worry about Ronaldo for the daunting trip to Italian champion Juventus, because the Portugal star is suspended for one game.
But Juventus’ confidence is high following a 3-1 win against title rivals Napoli, and Mario Mandzukic will be hungry for more goals after netting twice.
Elsewhere in Champions League action on Tuesday, other coaches have points to prove, too. Not the least Mourinho’s cross-city rival Pep Guardiola.
City won the Premier League in style last season but have yet to be convincing in Europe, and a home loss to French side Lyon in the opening round of games hardly helped.
Bayern Munich’s coach Niko Kovac will also be motivated following a Bundesliga defeat.
Here is a look at the other three Champions League groups on Tuesday:
GROUP E
Bayern hosts Dutch side Ajax after losing their Bundesliga lead to Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern were held at home by modest Augsburg before losing on Friday at Hertha Berlin, and the players are determined to make amends.
“A week ago you had the impression we were unbeatable. Now a bit of reality has set in,” Bayern forward Thomas Mueller said.
Bayern notched seven straight wins under Kovac, and eight would have tied Carlo Ancelotti’s record for the best start as Bayern coach.
Kovac gave the players a day off on Sunday ahead of the visit of Ajax, who beat AEK Athens 3-0 in their opening group game, and are led in attack by veteran poacher Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Greek champions AEK are at home to Portuguese side Benfica, who lost 2-0 to Bayern in their opener.
GROUP F
Manchester City, the first team to reach 100 points in winning the Premier League in May, have struggled in the Champions League.
The loss at home to Lyon two weeks ago was their fourth straight in the Champions League.
With Guardiola back on the sidelines after serving a one-match Uefa ban, City play at German club Hoffenheim, who drew their opener at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
Guardiola will again turn to prolific Argentina striker Sergio Aguero.
No City player has played a role in more Champions League goals than Aguero — 26 goals and six assists — and the striker even managed to score in a Premier League win over Brighton on Saturday despite a foot injury.
Lyon’s mini-winning streak of three games ended on Saturday when they drew 1-1 at home to Nantes.
But with France forward Nabil Fekir in form, Lyon will be confident of beating Shakhtar at home and keeping the top spot.
GROUP G
CSKA Moscow’s defenders may be sleeping a little easier ahead of Real Madrid’s visit to Russia.
They no longer have to worry about Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays for Juventus, and Madrid are out of form after just two wins in five matches.
The defending champions are also troubled by injuries.
Forward Gareth Bale was substituted at half-time of Saturday’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid because of a muscle injury, while left back Marcelo missed the match with a muscle problem in his right leg.
Goalscoring midfielder Francisco Alarcon underwent surgery for an appendicitis last week.
While moving their European home games to the vast Luzhniki stadium displeased some local fans, it will ensure a big home crowd at the venue where Russia knocked out Spain at the World Cup.
Roma fans will be expecting a home win against Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
After selling off the backbone of the squad — goalkeeper Alisson to Liverpool, midfielder Radja Nainggolan to Inter Milan and midfielder Kevin Strootman to Marseille- Roma are starting to gel.
Roma enjoyed a convincing 3-1 win over Lazio in Saturday’s Rome derby.
