Jose Mourinho Implies Criticism of Avram Grant in Netflix Documentary

Jose Mourinho, the renowned Portuguese football manager, is featured in a new three-part Netflix documentary focusing on his career highlights at Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. The series revisits his turbulent tenure at Chelsea, particularly the controversial end of his first spell when owner Roman Abramovich dismissed him early in the 2007/08 season and unexpectedly appointed Israeli coach Avram Grant as his replacement.

While Mourinho never explicitly named Grant, the documentary uses repeated images of Grant alongside Mourinho’s veiled criticisms. Mourinho reflects on the shift in Chelsea’s environment during his fourth season, noting Abramovich’s ruthless approach to results and his lack of understanding of the club’s internal dynamics. He also discusses the controversial signing of striker Andriy Shevchenko, which he opposed but never openly rejected.

Mourinho metaphorically describes a "triangle" involving Abramovich, CEO Peter Kenyon, and himself being infiltrated by outsiders, hinting at Grant’s appointment as an intrusion by people "not connected to the game." Although Grant’s tenure led Chelsea to the Champions League final that season, a feat Mourinho never achieved with the club, the documentary suggests lingering resentment from Mourinho even 18 years later.

The documentary’s release has reignited discussions about Mourinho’s complex relationship with Chelsea’s management and the circumstances surrounding his departure, highlighting the enduring impact of those events on his legacy.