Friday, September 21, 2007

The Special One - Jose Mourinho

My love for football and Chelsea traces back to the 2004-05 season. The Special One took charge of the club and led them to their first Premiership title in 50 years! The persona and style of the Special One make him a person who will be remembered by all of us (Chelsea fans) for a long time to come. None of us can forget him sitting on the bench wearing his famous gray coat. None of us can forget that proud handshake with his team moments before the final whistle. None of us can forget the way he gave away his medal to the crowd after winning the Premiership. It meant a lot to the club to win the Premiership in 2005 and then successfully defend it on 2006. Surely, we bought a truck full of players, but if money could buy the trophies then surely we would have won all trophies in the past few years.

It is a daunting task to manage a top notch club in England, and managing several high profile players and high profile egos make the climb steeper. The tough time that he had with the management would have broken down any manager long back. But, he built a family at Chelsea. Terry, Lampard, Drogba and others would surely miss him.

He took the limelight prior to any important fixture, thereby making sure that the players have their complete focus on the match at hand. Yes, he has always been surrounded by controversies. But, it takes guts to make use of all three substitutes at half-time when your side is a goal down. The added pressure of facing the higher rungs of the Chelsea Club (read Roman Abramovich) if the decision backfires makes the task only more challenging.

Jose, you have been the Special One. Each and every fan and player will miss you. The premiership will miss one of its most successful, influential and charismatic managers. Wish you all the best for the future.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Jaate Jaate Vo Mujhe Achi Nishani De Gaya

The lyrics of all the ghazals of Jagjit Singh sahab is truly remarkable. Here is another example, where the words are beautiful beyond expression. Without further adieu..

Jaate Jaate Vo Mujhe Achi Nishani De Gaya
Umr Bhar Doharaunga Aisi Kahani De Gaya

Us Se Mein Kuch Pa Sakun Aisi Kahan Umid Thi
Gham Bhi Vo Shayad Bara-e-Meharabani De Gaya

Sab Havaen Le Gaya Mere Samandar Ki Koi
Aur Mujh Ko Ek Kashti Badabani De Gaya

Khair Mein Piyasa Raha Par Us Ne itana to Kiya
Meri Palakon Ki Kataaron Ko Vo Pani De Gaya