Jose Mourinho 'threw acorns at Chelsea players' during training sessions despite making Cobham training ground 'no-go zone' for pranks

Mourinho is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest tactical minds, but his influence was not limited to outmaneuvering rival managers. According to former Chelsea winger Kalou, the Portuguese coach had a unique way of motivating his own squad - sometimes through unconventional methods. Kalou shared insights into Mourinho’s demanding yet mischievous personality, revealing that while he ruled with an iron fist, he also had moments of playful unpredictability. From strict training sessions to unexpected pranks, Mourinho’s approach to management ensured that his players remained on their toes at all times.

During Mourinho’s second tenure at Chelsea, which spanned from 2013 to 2015, the manager instilled a no-nonsense culture at Cobham Training Ground. According to Kalou, the atmosphere at times became so intense that even banter was discouraged, as Mourinho sought to maintain complete focus within the squad. However, the Portuguese tactician could not always suppress his mischievous side. Kalou recalled one particular training session where players were performing fitness drills on the ground, only to be unexpectedly pelted with acorns. It took a while before the players realized what was happening as Mourinho had been launching those tiny bits at them from his coat pockets whenever they looked away.

Beyond his pranks, Mourinho had a keen ability to read his players and ensure they were always performing at their peak. Kalou emphasized that Mourinho could instantly detect when a player was not giving their all in training - and he would take decisive action to rectify it.

“I have never seen a coach that knows his players so well like Jose does," he told The Sun.

"Sometimes he would see you at training and get the feeling that you were training in a way because you think you won’t play at the weekend. That is when he would start you but if you didn’t perform he took you off at half time and then told you why you were underperforming.

"He’d do that and when he finished you’d be there running out your lungs the next training session because you know he gets into your mind. For me it was important because back then as a young player I needed to know that it doesn't matter whether I play five or 10 minutes I need to train properly.”

Kalou believes that Mourinho’s emphasis on pre-season preparation was key to his dominance. The Portuguese coach would closely analyze players upon their return from the summer break, and anyone who did not arrive in top condition would immediately find themselves in his bad books.

“With Mourinho, pre-season was always important to his success," he said. "That is where it starts for him - if he smelled that you came to pre-season and wasn't at it you'd have problems with him. “

Both Mourinho & Chelsea will be in action midweek in the Europa League & the Europa Conference League, respectively. While the Portuguese will look to overturn a 3-1 deficit in Glasgow against Rangers, the Blues will host Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the round of 16 tie.