With Jose Mourinho it is usually a metaphorical knife in the ribs followed by a supportive arm around the shoulder.
As Chelsea prepared for Sunday's game against Manchester United, the Special One — a name that would not have been out of place in The Godfather — was up to his usual tricks.
First the knife: "My feeling, which is based on years of communicating with Sir Alex and some inside information, is Man United are not happy, but they are calm."