The Mourinho Thread

[bushman 2,043]

To some Jose is the God here, to others who point out about his dealings are accused of not being THE TRUE CHELSEA FANS, I read. How pathetic ? Some of us like to point it out, nothing more, nothing less.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Mata is a special one... if he goes, who do we have? Oscar is not so good as Mata, Oscar cannot play 60 games. There are very few players like Mata.

Mourinho, he is not special. He is just the manager. There is only one special manager, and he is retired from Man United. Any body can put 11 names on paper, any body can talk in press conference. We win Champions League with Di Matteo. You do not need a great manager to have a good team. You need great players.

And this has been the root of our problems over the last decade.

Jose is the manager. He is THE MAN. He was hired to do the job, and when he does it people moan because their favourite player isn't picked. We have to trust this guy, otherwise we fire him and just hire the next manager available (Mancini for a season or two, then sack him?).

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Mourinho should've dropped Hazard for this game.

He has been average thus far, had his worst game ever against Basel and he simply didn't face any repercussion for it. And I severely doubt with our AM options he'd be playing if he was in anyway still injured. It seems to be simply down to form. Almost as soon as Schurrle switched with him he made the difference for the 1st goal. Hazard needs something. Whether it be the bench for a few games, a rest or a kick up the arse. It's one thing to have all of these quality AMs, but it's another to persist with an out of form player while the rest sit on the bench; It's asking for trouble.

Sure Schurrle didn't finish chances at Everton, but at least he was getting on the end of them - unlike Eden. KDB also sits on the bench but has performed well whenever called upon. I don't know how long they'll happily sit there.

The players on the bench will be relatively satisfied as long as the managers selection is somewhat justified, but Hazard just isn't justifying his constant presence in the team at the moment - especially since we have such strength in that department now.

For now it's just a niggling concern as it's early days still, but I hope José will be a bit more proactive in keeping the squad harmony for the rest of the season.

Hazard doesn't need resting; he needs dropping. Schurrle's performance yesterday - without being spectacular - was twice the offering Hazard has brought to the table over the last 2/3 games. Eden looks like he can't be arsed; whereas Schurrle is the proverbial Duracel Bunny - he doesn't stop running. His work-rate is something Mourinho values; so why isn't he getting a little more of a look in? As you say, KdB has done a great job for the team every time he has featured. As far as I'm concerned, Eden needs a game or two on the sidelines. He shouldn't be an automatic starter.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

If mata will leave, we will sign someone else.

( I want him to stay, yea?).

[The Mak 4,459]

Hazard doesn't need resting; he needs dropping. Schurrle's performance yesterday - without being spectacular - was twice the offering Hazard has brought to the table over the last 2/3 games. Eden looks like he can't be arsed; whereas Schurrle is the proverbial Duracel Bunny - he doesn't stop running. His work-rate is something Mourinho values; so why isn't he getting a little more of a look in? As you say, KdB has done a great job for the team every time he has featured. As far as I'm concerned, Eden needs a game or two on the sidelines. He shouldn't be an automatic starter.

Exactly my view.

In justifying Oscar's selection ahead of Juan, Mourinho said last night that his selections aren't based on 'history' or the past, they are based on the 'now'. Well right now both Schurrle and KDB offering a lot more than Hazard. I think Mourinho needs to actually practice what he preaches and not only when it suits his argument.

They'll get their chance for Swindon alright, but if Hazard goes straight back into the starting lineup for Tottenham, well...José will look a bit full of it won't he? Especially if Hazard's replacement performs well (which shouldn't be hard). How would the players feel if they're only brought in for a cup game and chucked back out for an under performing player the next?

[hjperdeath 2,226]

What a boss. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ggZPNkn0k

[The only place to be 11,313]

Hazard doesn't need resting; he needs dropping. Schurrle's performance yesterday - without being spectacular - was twice the offering Hazard has brought to the table over the last 2/3 games. Eden looks like he can't be arsed; whereas Schurrle is the proverbial Duracel Bunny - he doesn't stop running. His work-rate is something Mourinho values; so why isn't he getting a little more of a look in? As you say, KdB has done a great job for the team every time he has featured. As far as I'm concerned, Eden needs a game or two on the sidelines. He shouldn't be an automatic starter.

Mourinho suggested EXACTLY why Hazard is still in the team. He's not getting the ball whilst facing the goal, so we need to learn how to play with him in the side and get him what he needs. Yes we could drop him and Ashley, but they need time to gel as a unit (that's how coaches tend to see teams, as units).

Hazard is still a young player learning his trade is a relatively new league, under a completely new system. He's having to unlearn some of what he was doing under Rafa whilst learning a new system under Jose who clearly sees him as the future.

Again, getting to that new place with be painful and there will be mistakes along the way but clearly Jose (and I) think it will be worth it in the long-term.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Exactly my view.

In justifying Oscar's selection ahead of Juan, Mourinho said last night that his selections aren't based on 'history' or the past, they are based on the 'now'. Well right now both Schurrle and KDB offering a lot more than Hazard. I think Mourinho needs to actually practice what he preaches and not only when it suits his argument.

They'll get their chance for Swindon alright, but if Hazard goes straight back into the starting lineup for Tottenham, well...José will look a bit full of it won't he? Especially if Hazard's replacement performs well (which shouldn't be hard). How would the players feel if they're only brought in for a cup game and chucked back out for an under performing player the next?

Eden would be a nailed-on starter for Spurs. His problem has been that teams have defended with a low block which reduces the space he has and sees him getting the ball with his back to goal - that is almost the complete opposite of how Spurs would be expected to set up against us, isn't it?

You'd expect them to leave gaps as they'd be looking to pressure us. So Jose picks Hazard and Cole for the first few games, rests them in midweek and chucks them back in against Spurs.

Taking a step back and looking at the season as a whole rather than simply looking at individual games, doesn't that make some sense or am I wrong?

[manpe 10,861]

No wonder I hate people more and more everyday. After going through years of complete fartfest under the likes of Grant, Scolari, AVB and Benitez ffs (sry if I missed some, can't remember em all) some people are seriously calling for Mourinho's head. I can see a "Jose OUT" thread being unleashed after the next loss. And then they are the first ones to moan about Roman's rotating door policy. Seriously, fuck off.

And a big fuck you to the guy who said managers are easy to find and replace.

[Alan Partridge 1,124]

It's simple! Until mata works harder defensively and plays how Jose wants then Oscar will be first choice . It's up to mata to change the situation.

Mata is quality but he isn't doing enough for the team in Jose's eyes.

If he was sold and replaced with someone who fits the style and system better I would be cool with it, even though I am a big fan of his.

So expect to see mata chasing the ball down when we lose possession. If he adapts and works hard he will play more

[manpe 10,861]

It's simple! Until mata works harder defensively and plays how Jose wants then Oscar will be first choice . It's up to mata to change the situation.

Mata is quality but he isn't doing enough for the team in Jose's eyes.

If he was sold and replaced with someone who fits the style and system better I would be cool with it, even though I am a big fan of his.

So expect to see mata chasing the ball down when we lose possession. If he adapts and works hard he will play more

Jose did the same to Joe Cole and he adapted. I can see Mata having the mindset to adapt as well.

[standup 28]

Mata is a special one... if he goes, who do we have? Oscar is not so good as Mata, Oscar cannot play 60 games. There are very few players like Mata.

Mourinho, he is not special. He is just the manager. There is only one special manager, and he is retired from Man United. Any body can put 11 names on paper, any body can talk in press conference. We win Champions League with Di Matteo. You do not need a great manager to have a good team. You need great players.

So who would you bring in to replace Jose?

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Annoyed that no one asks him about the double pivot. Media arent that sophisticated for those questions i guess. And well the English media see Lampard there.. they wouldnt speek about him too badly right? not when he scores goals at least.

Im a hugh Mourinho fan, probably one his biggests, but i think him ignoring the double pivot issues over the summer is the biggest disappointment i had from a manager in a transfer window. I was sure and said to myself "Jose comes, he had freaking Alonso in Madrid, and then even got Modric for the same role, he cant leave us with those Lampard/Ramires/Mikel combo's...he'll get a DLP or at least someone like Witzel". And well, seeing Mikel-Rami starting the game today got me thinking again - is this what Jose wanted to see this all summer? thats the big plan? talking non-stop about change, "change style", "be proactive, no reactive", with this midfield Jose?

Im not even talking about Lampard, because i wasnt surprised that Jose will put him as the main man in midfield and completely ignoring his huge failures in that role. Jose and Lampard is a love story, he cant bench him that quickly, he will sometime, but for now Lamps will get his fair share of game time no matter what. Back to the subject, im talking about Jose agreeing to the option that he will start the Mikel-Ramires DP many times this season. That could make me furious in a few weeks if it goes on. Starting Mikel-Ramires is like Jose would start Essien-Khedira in his Madrid days. IT NEVER HAPPEND. Not in the league or CL at least. Our central midfield is ok with no creativity and players to give the key forword pass and in Real it cant happen? i dont get it. Bollocks.

If KDB isnt going to move deeper in a few weeks-month or two, its a hugh shocker from Jose, huge.

Yea I'm with you here. Except I don't think he's going to use Kevin dB in that position because there's no evidence to suggest it. I think he actually sees the Belgian as a wide player and it's not hard to understand why after seeing his performances there. I am, however, surprised that MvG hasn't seen much football because he did really well in pre-season and that's actually his natural position.

[standup 28]

No wonder I hate people more and more everyday. After going through years of complete fartfest under the likes of Grant, Scolari, AVB and Benitez ffs (sry if I missed some, can't remember em all) some people are seriously calling for Mourinho's head. I can see a "Jose OUT" thread being unleashed after the next loss. And then they are the first ones to moan about Roman's rotating door policy. Seriously, fuck off.

And a big fuck you to the guy who said managers are easy to find and replace.

Well said mate. We'd be an even bigger laughing stock if we sacked Jose. Who top manager would seriously join us?

In Jose we trust. Get behind him!

[Laylabelle 9,384]

No wonder I hate people more and more everyday. After going through years of complete fartfest under the likes of Grant, Scolari, AVB and Benitez ffs (sry if I missed some, can't remember em all) some people are seriously calling for Mourinho's head. I can see a "Jose OUT" thread being unleashed after the next loss. And then they are the first ones to moan about Roman's rotating door policy. Seriously, fuck off.

And a big fuck you to the guy who said managers are easy to find and replace.

Exactly.Easy to find doesnt mean anything!Doesnt mean any good or they'll want the job.Fuck this one up and we're screwed really...its sodding 5 games or whatever he aint a miracle worker.Cant click fingers and everything gels and magic happens..takes time...Jose out really?!Only just got back in!!!

[Fernando 6,488]

You got it wrong. Jose was very clear about Oscar as the No 10, and he said Mata and him could play together when Mata (not Oscar) will get used to his new role AKA the wing.

In the summer, when asked about if he'll get another CM to the squad, he said 'no, i have Mikel, Lamps, MVG, Ess, Rami and also KDB can play there'. Thats the only glimpse of hope.

That's not the feeling I got from that post match interview.

He said he is not ready to change Oscar position. Meaning it is the one we have been thinking where Oscar could play in the double pivot....in fact he mention how Oscar was doing with Mikel like Parker and Sidwell where doing in the double pivot role.

He sees that but that he is not ready to make this changes.

It is still clear that Mata will continue to be our number 10 for the future while Oscar will be that deep lying playmaker we thought he could be. He has all the attribute to play there.

For crying out loud Lampard has been playing it the last season, why Oscar can't?

[kellzfresh 7,229]

No wonder I hate people more and more everyday. After going through years of complete fartfest under the likes of Grant, Scolari, AVB and Benitez ffs (sry if I missed some, can't remember em all) some people are seriously calling for Mourinho's head. I can see a "Jose OUT" thread being unleashed after the next loss. And then they are the first ones to moan about Roman's rotating door policy. Seriously, fuck off.

And a big fuck you to the guy who said managers are easy to find and replace.

Somebody feels my pain too. I couldnt have put it any better.

[Stingray 9,441]

After being initially disappointed a bit after the ManU game - I must say he is such an intelligent coach, very shrewd and tactically adept. If you try and see between the lines, you can tell he is really building something (but you gotta break the eggs to make the omelet ). I have NO worries for Hazard actually (nor does he need a shrink B, lol). He is unlearning and learning again - I predict he will explode after new year.

It is just a WHOLE different kind of play, really (Thanks @SEB for the great analysis in the other thread) and I believe we as a team will only progress the next few weeks - to a point we are virtually unstoppable. Can you just imagine what happens when Oscar keeps doing this on the 10, when Hazard finds his routine in this new philosophy and Eto'o starts scoring ... wow.

The last few games you see the movement changing, positions alter and while we are still shite right now, we do have the top of the table.

I am starting to really like it (even though I miss KDB a bit on the pitch - but that will come good as well, no doubt).

:blue scalf: