There was a hug at full time, much more than the promised handshake, but the underlying feeling with Jose Mourinho after he saw his Manchester United fall to Chelsea in the FA Cup final will be one of personal defeat.
Many of the overtures ahead of the Wembley showpiece had been of peace between the Portuguese and his counterpart at Chelsea, Antonio Conte.
The duo have been sniping since last season when Mourinho criticised Conte for celebrating too much after Chelsea’s 4-0 win over United.
The feud continued this season as Mourinho labelled the Italian’s touchline manner as clown-like and alluded to a match-fixing allegation against the former Juventus boss, which he was cleared. Conte described former Chelsea man Mourinho as a “little man” and “a fake”.
Fast forward to Saturday at Wembley and there were no touchline bust-ups, but Conte must have felt he won more that just an FA Cup. He got one over the “Special One” and the master of the mind games.
Conte had a wry smile after the final whistle while it did not take Moan-rinho long to revert to his ways and get all negative about the opposition. “I don’t think they deserved to win,” said Mourinho.
“It was a bit hard for us to play … against a team that defends with nine players.”
That in itself is rich coming from Mr “Park The Bus”.
Conte let his players do the talking on the pitch. With or without striker Romelu Lukaku, United and Mourinho should know how to go about taking on the opposition.
Whether the two managers will renew their rivalry next season remains to be seen with Conte deflecting questions about his future with all the aplomb of a master political spin doctor.
“In every press conference, I always say I’m committed to this club, to respect my contract,” said the 48-year-old, who is rumoured to be departing Stamford Bridge this summer.
“Our job is not simple. I understand the club can make a decision — a positive decision, a negative decision.
“We’ll make the best decision. I’m the first to accept every decision for the future.”
Even that will rankle with Mourinho, as — if he leaves — it means Conte has had the final parting shot and the last laugh.
While they now have silverware to show for their season, no Champions League for Chelsea means another cloud looms on the horizon. Not the future of their manager but of their star player and one of the best men on the park against United at Wembley — Hazard.
A player of his stature and talent can’t be consigned to the Europa League next season and with Barcelona making advances, it’s time he headed for bigger and better pastures over in Spain alongside Lionel Messi and Co.
