What does it really mean to play for Jose Mourinho – and why people "get bored" of him

Former defenseman Glen Johnson revealed what it was like to work with former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, stressing that it was easy to argue with him when the players were not in the team.

The 54-strong English international worked with the Portuguese boss during his stay in Chelsea, the first Mourinho crossing in West London, and Johnson praised the initial improvements made by his appointment.

The back, who announced his retirement today, did not hide that the players out of the frame found that it was easy to argue with the boss and that people might have started to get on tired of his antics at the moment when was at United.

"As soon as he walked in the door, it was fantastic. The way they took the club by the neck skin really changed the way things went. The training was fantastic, he was great with all the players, "he told TalkSport about Mourinho's arrival in Chelsea.

"It's one of those times when, if you're not part of the team, it's the guys who are arguing with Mourinho. For the main team, it would be a gem with which to work.

"He would have a chance with the big guys and the guys in the media, everybody loved it.

"When everything was new and fresh at the time – now they are starting to get a little bored.

"When he does something that does not look like him, it gives everyone the opportunity to jump on him."

Johnson admitted to being surprised by Mourinho's approaching change during the latter stages of his stay at Old Trafford, where he often put emphasis on his accomplishments rather than addressing himself directly to his critics.

"It was a bit strange and almost a little different from him. You do not really want to hear that, we know what he's done. For some reason, something just did not click and I do not think he was as happy as he could have been.