That Season When . . . Chelsea became “The Special” Club with José Mourinho

In June 2004, José Mourinho made headlines around the world by claiming ‘I think I’m a special one’ at his unveiling as Chelsea manager. Just under a year later, he lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time, delivering Chelsea their first league title in 50 years.

Robert Huth was part of the Chelsea defence that conceded only 15 goals in the league that season – and he joins Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith 20 years later to reflect on an incredible achievement. They look back on Jose Mourinho’s management style – what was it like to be coached by him?

Can he be credited with bringing the 4-3-3 to English football? Hear from midfielder Claude Makélélé on his role within the team and from Sir Alex Ferguson on his rivalry with José Mourinho.

[This is re-versioned episode from the Football Daily’s archive. It was first published on the 26th April 2025]

They also discuss what nearly became a domestic treble for Mourinho in his first year in English football, and remember one of the Premier League’s most memorable seasons.