Why modern-day Narcissus Jose Mourinho is in danger of drowning in a pool of his own vanity
Tonight may see last act of Greek tragedy at Stamford Bridge
According to Greek legend, Narcissus, so vain a character he believed himself to be above everyone, is attracted to a pool of water by Nemesis.
Narcissus then spends so much time admiring his reflection he implodes and - puff! - evaporates into a cloud of irrelevance.
Stamford Bridge will stage what might be the last chapter of its own Greek tragedy today when Chelsea take on Liverpool.
Yet for all his bluster and offence and embarrassment caused, he displays a similar behaviour to that of a cornered fox fresh out of ideas - lashing out and hissing at the perceived threats
Cast if you will Juergen Klopp as Nemesis avenging all those offended in recent weeks by the EPL's very own Narcissus, Jose Mourinho.
If Klopp's Reds beat tail-spinning champions Chelsea they could seal the fate of Mourinho, who is but one more acrimonious defeat away from the axe, according to whispering insiders.
Love him or loathe him, you have to admire Mourinho's achievements. He is arguably the most successful manager of his generation in Europe and is celebrated by Chelsea as one of their best.
But as much as he entertains with his wit, irony and razor sharp put-downs, his oversized vanity has spiralled beyond eccentric and entered a delusional, destructive stage. It threatens not only his reputation and his club's, but his future and that of his star-studded team's championship credentials.
Chelsea cruised to the title last season with effortless, cool and precision football. With such an assured, confident unit and a brilliant boss at the helm, they started the season as favourites to retain their crown.
But their torrid start on and off the pitch has left them in 15th position, already 11 points behind leaders Manchester City.
Player burnout and a lack of desire are two theories doing the rounds to explain the slump. A more likely argument is that Mourinho has failed to adapt and adjust to the frenetically evolving EPL.
Some claim he is a one-trick pony, as his opponents quickly learn to break down his one dimensional game plan.
All managers suffer a crisis of confidence. It is how they handle the stress and demands that count in the eyes of their players, bosses and fans, as well as their critics.
Mourinho's reaction to his reverse spin of fortune has not been to roll up his sleeves, accept unconditionally his failings and adapt and adjust like the master craftsman we took him to be.
Instead, he has sought to snarl and goad like a stubborn delinquent, who discovers that it is he who is out of step with the rest of the class, rather than the reverse.
Liverpool fans will cherish the conceit of being Mourinho's executioner, such is their contempt for the Portuguese
He instead bristles with contempt for all those around him, displaying a perverse sense of entitlement to always being in the right.
He certainly breaks the first rule of football management, publicly criticising his players' performances (many fear he has subsequently lost the dressing room).
He berates referees and officials and backroom staff, journalists and other managers who dare challenge him, with a haughty, intimidating air.
Yet for all his bluster and offence and embarrassment caused, he displays a similar behaviour to that of a cornered fox fresh out of ideas - lashing out and hissing at the perceived threats.
The midweek loss to Stoke on penalties in the League Cup added to the humiliation of last weekend's bitter defeat at West Ham, where he was banished to the stands for insulting the ref.
The expected FA disciplinary action against him - a technical area ban at best, or a stadium ban - will not be handed down before today's kick off, so he is lucky to be able to watch from the dugout what could be the most important game of his career.
Whatever his motive, reason or cause (some claim he is gunning for the sack as he wants out of Roman Abramovich's claustrophobic control) for his current destructive state of mind, Mourinho is putting his, and the club's, reputation on the line - as well as insulting Chelsea supporters.
Liverpool fans will cherish the conceit of being Mourinho's executioner, such is their contempt for the Portuguese. They are not alone. There is an increasing number of Blues supporters - and neutrals - who find themselves in sentimental agreement.
There's a big difference between admiration and love, after all.
Mourinho is in danger of drowning in a pool of his own vanity.
Today, if they remain on his side, his players can throw him a lifeline.
