Football: It would be so wrong if Jose replaced Arsene

[King of Camelot]

JOSE MOURINHO has helped Real Madrid move seven points clear of Barcelona in La Liga.

It will be a truly astonishing achievement if he adds a Spanish league title to his collection of championships from Portugal, England and Italy.

Yet it also seems that Mourinho will be leaving the Bernabeu this summer, whether he resigns or ends up being sacked.

I would love to see Mourinho back in the Premier League — and I think he will be next season.

He is a fantastic character and great value for both supporters and the media.

But I hope he does NOT turn up at Arsenal.

There is talk of a job swap with Arsene Wenger and I am sure many Real fans would love to see the Frenchman take charge of their club.

He would certainly change the current playing style imposed by Mourinho. It is certainly effective. Yet while Real may be racking up both points and goals, they are still not winning any friends.

Against Barca last week, Mourinho's team — not for the first time — seemed happy to kick lumps out of the opposition and it certainly was not pretty.

Mourinho has brilliant tactical ability but also a nose for an argument.

He always seems to be in conflict with his players, opposing managers, fans or the board. The Premier League is where he is happiest. Perhaps over here, the fans understand what he is all about.

But I just do not think he would be suited at Arsenal, who have a history of doing things the right way.

I cannot imagine any Gunners manager celebrating a goal by sliding on his knees in the Emirates technical area.

Equally, I do not think Mourinho will ever get the chance of managing Manchester United for much the same reasons as why he will not manage Arsenal.

It would not surprise me, though, if Tottenham, who could lose Harry Redknapp to the England job, make an attempt to lure him to White Hart Lane.

Also if Roberto Mancini suffers a nightmare with Manchester City and wins nothing this season, they, too, could come in for the self-styled 'Special One'.

Providing he is given money, Mourinho could be a massive success at either club.

I think Spurs and City fans would tolerate Mourinho's style of football — and behaviour — if the end product was the Premier League title.

Chelsea fans, I am sure, would take him back immediately.

Yet there is no way that Roman Abramovich would ever have him return, no matter what Andre Villas-Boas does this term.

Obviously, United and Arsenal would love to win the championship. But not at any cost.

They want to see trophies, yet also football played in a certain way.

People often ask me what I would prefer, good football or trophies. Of course, I want both. But first a team needs to play a decent style.

Despite my frustrations with the current situation at Arsenal, and the fact the club has not spent anywhere near enough money on top-quality new signings, I still want to see Wenger remain at the club.

He is the best thing ever to have happened there, along with Dennis Bergkamp. Next up come players like Thierry Henry.

I have no doubt Wenger would go to Spain and do an amazing job. He has had the opportunity before and turned it down and I am sure he would once again snub Real if the offer came.

Wenger has certainly enjoyed some spats with Mourinho down the years and I feel convinced that they will be locking horns with each other again very soon.

Mourinho may win both the La Liga title and Champions League with Real this season.

But that volatile relationship is still heading for a divorce.

Meanwhile, there are some key Premier League matches this week which could give another indication as to how the title race will pan out.

I am sure Manchester United will win at home to Stoke tonight and I do not think Spurs will have too many problems with Wigan at White Hart Lane.

But I believe Manchester City face a tough test at Everton this evening and a draw could make the title race that bit more exciting.

thesun.co.uk

[the madscotsman]

It just wouldn't be right seeing arsenal play defensive football.
But hopefully we can beat them in the last 16 of the champions league.
Forza Milan