Hello, Miami! Goodbye, Jose Mourinho?

It's been a whirlwind week that had me quoting Lebron James' pivotal line in the ESPN television special, 'The Decision' as if I am somebody special. I am not (sorry, mom), but I can say I have taken my talents to South Beach...and North Beach...and Aventura...and Miami Lakes...and Coconut Grove looking for my new home beyond the hotel in Dural to which I'm currently anchored. Clearly, my talents have been getting around the area, and much like Lebron's, they haven't actually settled in South Beach. As Delonte West and Laron Profit once pointed out to me, the Heat actually play their games downtown across Biscayne Bay from the popular beach strip. So, the 'South Beach' comment was confusing and extremely entertaining. Much like my time so far in Miami. I'm doing my best to acclimate to my surroundings and appreciate my move to this new country.



It makes me wonder what its like to be Jose Mourinho. You come to a new workplace with a reputation, and try to build upon the success you've pushed for so far, but some of your old habits (taking on the media, benching your star captain goalkeeper) rear their ugly head. Then the whole town comes after you with pitchforks and torches. Fortunately, Mou's contract is ironclad with a $20 million buyout. Plus, if he leaves to return to Chelsea, he misses out on coaching Champions League football, a double reminder of his all-too-recent failures with Los Meregues. Surely, he'll have other options (PSG? Manchester City?), but not knowing what's next forces one to make crucial decisions, even if that decision is to stay put in the Spanish capitol.



Mourinho embraces Materazzi before his midnight escape





I'll never forget Mou's comments to Giorgio Chinaglia and Charlie Stillitano on The Football Show during the World Cup in 2010. He was at a significant crossroads in his professional career after having won the treble, la tripleta with Internazionale. It was almost as abrupt for fans and the veteran group of gladiators who caught him slipping out in the dark of the night like Art Model's Baltimore Colts defected to Indianapolis for the promise of millions in Madrid. The timing couldn't have been better for the competitive coach to go out on top, or worse for Inter supporters seeking success on a dynastic scale.



Jose said he doesn't know why he has bounced around from league to league. He doesn't know why he took on Spain after serrating Serie A. He conceded, 'Maybe I'm crazy'.



The new digs are less spacious, but have palm trees.

Perhaps, but I know the hunger, the feeling of desire for a new challenge. I now know what it's like to take on the pressure of a new city, new culture, new expectations. The level of uncertainty doesn't dissapate as rapidly as you'd like. It causes you to reach within and again understand who you are and what you're made of to refresh and renew your committment to your personal and professional goals. 

Furthermore, it presents a new level of self awareness.

 

I know that I'm not special. But I sure am lucky.



Happy Holidays to all my friends, laborers and listeners, from SiriusXM FC who I'll miss and root on for years to come. A mis nuevos amigos de beIN Sport, te doy gracias por la oportunidad de probarme a mí mismo otra vez.

 

For those interested in hearing my thoughts on the year in sport, tune into "Sports World" on the BBC World Service Saturday, December 29th 15:00-16:00 GMT / 10-11am ET / 7-8am PT on SiriusXM channel 118.