‘Throw the First Pillow’ – Jose Mourinho the Ringleader for Bus Banter

Wesley Sneijder on What ‘The Special One’ Is Really Like to Work With

When you think of Jose Mourinho, what likely comes to mind first is his tactical brilliance, trophy-laden CV, or perhaps his legendary press conference quips. But according to former Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder, there’s a whole other side to ‘The Special One’ that the cameras rarely capture. A side filled with laughter, camaraderie, and yes—spontaneous pillow fights.

The Dutchman recently lifted the lid on life under Jose Mourinho during their glorious spell together at Inter, and the stories he shared reveal a coach whose brilliance goes beyond formations and match prep. It’s about human connection, timing, and knowing just when to break the tension with a perfectly thrown pillow.

WHAT HAPPENED? Jose Mourinho: More Than a Mastermind

Back in the 2009-10 season, Jose Mourinho and Sneijder were the central figures in one of Inter Milan’s most iconic eras. That year, the club completed an unprecedented treble, lifting the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League trophies. While the world marveled at Jose Mourinho’s tactical wizardry, inside the locker room, the mood was often light-hearted and inclusive—thanks largely to the Portuguese boss himself.

Sneijder, speaking to BetMGM, described Jose Mourinho not as a distant or aloof figure, but as someone who wanted to be in the thick of things with his players.

“Usually, coaches or managers are the leaders of the team, they set the example – every time on a plane or a bus, the coach would most often sit at the front. Jose Mourinho wouldn’t do that. He would sit in the middle with all of us and he was the one who would throw the first pillow at someone or pull the first joke when we landed.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Football’s Master Motivator

FBL-EUR-C3-RANGERS-FENERBAHCE

Mourinho’s legacy spans some of Europe’s most storied clubs—Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Roma—and now, Fenerbahce in Turkey. While his tenures have often been punctuated with controversies, they’ve also been marked by fierce loyalty from players who swear by his man-management skills.

Sneijder’s anecdotes only underscore that sentiment. Jose Mourinho’s ability to gauge the mood of his squad and act accordingly has always been one of his secret weapons. Whether by inviting players’ partners aboard team flights or sharing a laugh in the dressing room, Jose Mourinho knows when to dial down the pressure.

“I remember when we played Chelsea away in the Champions League and a couple of days before the game, he told all of the team to bring our partners with us on the plane. We were a bit confused but did what we were asked. I remember he sat down next to me and my partner.

I was very relaxed and Jose said ‘Wes, you’re very quiet. Normally you talk a lot but you are very quiet today’. He knew how relaxed I was and he was just brilliant with everyone.”

DID YOU KNOW? It’s the Little Things That Make a Big Coach

One of the more surprising revelations from Sneijder’s stories is Jose Mourinho’s incredible attention to personal detail. While many managers are consumed by game tape and tactics, Mourinho never lost sight of the human element.

“He had this amazing thing of always knowing the birthday of every family member – it might seem such a small thing but it made such a difference to all of us.”

This kind of thoughtfulness created a bond between Jose Mourinho and his players that went beyond the pitch. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about feeling valued, understood, and part of a family.

FUN AND FUNCTION: How Jose Mourinho Mixed Both

Jose Mourinho Inter

Mourinho’s unorthodox style also extended to how he handled traditions and routines. Ahead of the Champions League final, a sponsor wanted the team to arrive in uniform suits for a polished look. But Jose Mourinho, as always, had his own vision.

“He said that because we’d been to all the cities in the previous rounds and won wearing whatever we wanted – or, as he called it, ‘like gypsies’ – we should ‘go to the final like gypsies’. One player went in shorts, one went in trousers, it didn’t matter because we had won like this before – why change it?”

It might sound trivial, but these moments helped players feel ownership over their journey. They weren’t just soldiers following orders; they were artists allowed to create their own script under a director who trusted their instincts.

WHAT NEXT? Eyes on the Final Once More

Mourinho and Sneijder may no longer share a dressing room, but the mutual respect remains. And fittingly, both will be tuning in as Inter face Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

It’s a reminder of how far Inter have come since their last European triumph—and of how Jose Mourinho’s legacy continues to echo in the corridors of San Siro.

Final Thoughts: The Real Special One

Inter Milan’s Dutch midfielder Wesley Sn

Wesley Sneijder’s memories peel back the curtain on the man many think they know but few truly understand. Jose Mourinho is a winner, yes, but more than that, he’s a connector. He knows that football is as much about people as it is about points, and he’s never been afraid to mix levity with leadership.

In an era where managerial philosophies can sometimes feel rigid or overly corporate, Jose Mourinho’s approach—blending tactical discipline with a deep understanding of human behavior—might just be the most special thing about him.

So the next time you see him in a technical area, barking orders or stirring controversy in a post-match interview, remember: somewhere in his past, he was also the guy who started a pillow fight on the team bus. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what made all the difference.