Ex-player recalls 'not happy' Jose Mourinho 'ripped flip chart down' during Chelsea's FA Cup tie against Colchester United

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There was once a time when a Premier League-winning Chelsea side, littered with world-class talent, trailed League One Colchester United at Stamford Bridge in the fifth round of the FA Cup. That contributed to a fiery response from Jose Mourinho at half-time during the encounter 19 years ago, as ex-Colchester player Kevin Watson recalled during TNT Sports' Emirates FA Cup coverage.

'He wasn't happy' - Watson relives Mourinho tearing up Chelsea dressing room in FA Cup tie

Video credit: TNT Sports

Legendary manager Jose Mourinho is renowned worldwide for his iconic pitchside antics.

From storming down the touchline at Old Trafford as Porto knocked Manchester United out of the UEFA Champions League, to a bust-up with Arsene Wenger during the Frenchman's 1000th game in charge of Arsenal, Mourinho has delivered plenty of unforgettable moments.

Ahead of Gainsborough Trinity's first-round Emirates FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - ex-Colchester United and Reading midfielder Kevin Watson lifted the lid on another classic Mourinho moment.

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Back in February 2006, Colchester drew Premier League champions Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.

The League One underdogs made the trip to west London dreaming of extending their fairytale cup run, against a Chelsea side boasting stars such as Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho.

And against all odds, Colchester took the lead when Carvalho deflected a cross into his own net, sending the travelling fans into chaos.

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But after drawing level through Paulo Ferreira before the break, a fiery Mourinho moment caught Watson's eye at half-time.

"One of my best memories, we didn't actually win the game," Watson explained to TNT Sports when asked what his favourite FA Cup moments were as a player.

"It was when I was at Colchester, we took 7,000 to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fifth round, went 1-0 up, hit the post, Paulo Ferreira equalised just before half-time, and went [into half-time] at 1-1 and disappointed because we played really well.

"I actually walked up the tunnel behind Jose Mourinho, and he wasn't happy. He flung the door open and I was about five yards behind him. I sort of took a glimpse into his dressing room, and he ripped the flip chart down.

"I went in and told our manager, Phil Parkinson - who is at Wrexham now - I said, 'He's not happy, I think he might be making some changes'."

Watson's instincts were correct, as former Chelsea and England star - and TNT Sports expert - Joe Cole was introduced off the bench, alongside Frank Lampard.

"Joe Cole and Franky Lampard came on and they ended up beating us 3-1 with Joe scoring two," Watson continued.

"But that was a fantastic day, unbelievable atmosphere, and listen, these boys are only two rounds away from possibly getting a Chelsea."

There are currently nine non-league teams praying for just one more win in the FA Cup as the competition reaches its second round.

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In the third round, teams from the Premier League and Championship enter the fray. That means the likes of lowly Chelmsford City, Buxton, Slough Town and Weston-super-Mare are just one victory away from potentially drawing the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool.

Gainsborough and Tamworth are hoping to become the 10th non-league name in the hat for the second-round draw, which is set for Monday, November 3 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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