Mourinho let squad have fish and chips after Blackburn win

Matt Stead

Jose Mourinho once let his Chelsea squad have fish and chips as “a little reward” for beating Blackburn.

According to Sam Borden’s lovely longform piece on the Manchester United manager for ESPN, Mourinho opted to overrule his newly-appointed nutritionist.

John Terry had asked for him and his teammates to be rewarded for an away victory at Blackburn, and Mourinho was more than happy to grant his wish.

The Portuguese asked his squad whether they wanted fish and chips or a Chinese, and they voted for the latter. Great choice.

‘When Mourinho was managing at Chelsea the first time, from 2004 to 2007, there was one night when the team was on its bus after defeating Blackburn Rovers, making the drive to the airport for a late flight home. Chelsea had just hired a new team nutritionist, and she made the players focus on their diets intensely. As the bus churned along, the nutritionist prepared healthy meals for the players.

‘Terry interjected. “We need a little reward,” he said again, gesturing toward the back of the bus. Mourinho looked past him, saw the nutritionist. He thought for a moment, then said, “Chinese or fish-and-chips?” Terry grinned.

‘Moments later, after a quick poll among the players, Mourinho instructed the bus driver to pull over. A team trainer was dispatched with orders. Ten minutes later, the bus was on its way again.

‘In the back, the nutritionist fumed; in the front, Mourinho cackled, watching his players gleefully stuff themselves with fried cod and French fries.’