But he doesn't always slip under the radar.
In 2007, police discover he's snuck his dog into the country without its vaccines.
When coppers arrive to quarantine the pooch, Jose lets it loose on the street.
He's arrested, and Chelsea fans launch a campaign to free the dog.
And the cameras are back on him when his arrival at Spurs coincides with the club's Amazon series.
The fans lick their lips for drama, but Jose shows his soft side instead, crying when his dog dies.
The Special One joins Inter instead, and in 2010 faces Pep's Barca in the Champions League semis.
In the 2nd leg, Barca fans taunt Jose with chants of "translator", but Inter seal a heroic 3-2 win.
At full time Mourinho goes berserk, charging wildly around the Nou Camp pitch.