Sir Bobby Robson has warned Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho he risks becoming alienated at Stamford Bridge.
Former England boss Robson does not want his past Barcelona staff member to become a hate figure.
Robson told the Mail on Sunday: "If that happens he will lose friends, even within his own club.
"Chelsea have the big picture in mind. To rival Real Madrid and Manchester United across the world they have to win friends as well as trophies."
Robson also called on Mourinho to follow Wayne Rooney's example and apologise for his actions towards referees.
Former Newcastle boss Robson said: "The incident that summed up the current problem was seeing Jose sarcastically applaud the referee after he sent off Arjen Robben at West Brom.
"Wayne Rooney got sent off for a similar mock applause in the Champions League but even though he's 20 he came out and apologised.
If Rooney can do it, so can Jose. He can't blame the authorities and establishment all the time."
Robson believes Mourinho has "the potential to go down as one of the most successful and popular managers the game has seen.
"But this legacy is being put at risk by a seemingly never-ending stream of controversial incidents.
"When he arrived and called himself the special one there was a mischievous glint in his eye and the public loved him.
"He was a breath of fresh air. He still is but the glint has gone.
"His talent is not so special that he's never going to lose a football match fairly and squarely.
"That happens to everyone and when it does, you have to respect your opponent and the match officials."