The Mourinho Thread

[Jase 43,479]

Mourinho biggest mistake this season was never giving up the 4-2-3-1 system. Its a really effective system if you are facing teams like Liverpool or City, but he was using the same system against teams like Crystal Palace. I mean, whats the point of fielding two DM against Palace? Anyone expected a different game with such conservative line-up against a ultra-defensive game? but some people here were saying Mourinho got the tactics right because it was the same line-up he used against Arsenal. I don't even have to discuss this subject, because if you think you should use the same tactics facing completely different animals like Arsenal and Palace, then the whole discussion is over.

I really liked Tx "rhetoric", because it reveals whats is going on here: some members see Mourinho as a special manager because of the period between 2004 and 2007, thats why they are way too lenient sometimes.

So easy to say 4-2-3-1 is a defensive formation with the 2 DMs and all, when it's not. Guess you weren't complaining when we beat the smaller sides with this 4-2-3-1, were you? Has nothing to do with the formation at all but more so with the application of the system. Take RDM for instance, when he first came in, he set us up in a defensive 4-2-3-1 system looking to play on the counter but in the following season, we played a more attacking 4-2-3-1. If anything, Mourinho arguably need set us loose a bit more in his favored 4-2-3-1 and not change the whole system so that we are less defensive. Heck, even the suggested 4-4-2 can be defensive if a manager wants it to be that way. Doesn't mean it's more attacking and speaking of 4-4-2, that formation is never going to work for us properly if we don't utilize proper wingers and even overlapping full backs to stretch the play. Otherwise, most things are just gonna clock in the midfield area like we are doing now most of the time and that system itself have hardly been a success for us this season when we've used it. We never seem to be able to control the midfield since most sides these days play with 3 in midfield and we always get overrun and as a result of that, we then just launch aimless long balls and only hoping that something will come good of it rather than having an actual plan with it.

[DoubleO 192]

So easy to say 4-2-3-1 is a defensive formation with the 2 DMs and all, when it's not. Guess you weren't complaining when we beat the smaller sides with this 4-2-3-1, were you? Has nothing to do with the formation at all but more so with the application of the system. Take RDM for instance, when he first came in, he set us up in a defensive 4-2-3-1 system looking to play on the counter but in the following season, we played a more attacking 4-2-3-1. If anything, Mourinho arguably need set us loose a bit more in his favored 4-2-3-1 and not change the whole system so that we are less defensive. Heck, even the suggested 4-4-2 can be defensive if a manager wants it to be that way. Doesn't mean it's more attacking and speaking of 4-4-2, that formation is never going to work for us properly if we don't utilize proper wingers and even overlapping full backs to stretch the play. Otherwise, most things are just gonna clock in the midfield area like we are doing now most of the time and that system itself have hardly been a success for us this season when we've used it. We never seem to be able to control the midfield since most sides these days play with 3 in midfield and we always get overrun and as a result of that, we then just launch aimless long balls and only hoping that something will come good of it rather than having an actual plan with it.

Not to mention AVB's boring 4-3-3.... always.

[Jase 43,479]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpools-luis-suarez-isnt-footballer-3522510

"Edin Dzeko is on Jose Mourinho striker wishlist after the Portuguese praises the Manchester City star"

[Jase 43,479]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2625191/Roman-Abramovich-falling-love-Jose-Mourinho-The-Chelsea-owner-not-happy-dull-football-outbursts.html

Only 1 season has passed since Mourinho returned and Daily Mail already stirring up BS about Roman not being happy with him..

[Jase 43,479]

Jose Mourinho prepares Chelsea's end-of-term report for Roman Abramovich to recommend how club can improve

[The only place to be 11,313]

At one aspect you have people like @The only place to be, that take one side of the extreme coin. Everyone who doesn't' agree with him is not a "Chelsea supporter"

Actually what I said was thatI don't think the negativity that some people continually express on here is something I recognise in the atmosphere around this club this season.

That doesn't mean I think people who disagree with me aren't Chelsea supporters. Supporters disagree with one other all the time. But I think there's a particularly pernicious negativity in many threads that doesn't resemble what I've experienced this year supporting this club. I actually think there's a fantastic sense of optimism amongst the vast majority of supporters after this season.

But if you think I'm wrong about that then that's fine.

[The Skipper 20,609]

I actually think there's a fantastic sense of optimism amongst the vast majority of supporters after this season.

At the same time, you're making up stuff again if you think the people that you continuously try to call out aren't optimistic about next season.

[The only place to be 11,313]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2625191/Roman-Abramovich-falling-love-Jose-Mourinho-The-Chelsea-owner-not-happy-dull-football-outbursts.html

Only 1 season has passed since Mourinho returned and Daily Mail already stirring up BS about Roman not being happy with him..

It's just lazy journalism. Roman has never gone to every game and that's probably got something to do with him being a billionaire businessman....and a father....and the owner of a massive fucking yacht that looks better in Barbados than in Chelsea Harbour.

Even the author concedes that Jose has next season to improve which has been his stated target ever since he arrived at the club. Last year we finished 14 points off the leaders, this year it will hopefully be 4. There's progress being made but it's always easier to be the guy moaning about shit.

[Billy. 2,742]

Seriously? By now, people should know well not to take Mourinho too seriously since most of the things, if not everything, he says has a motive or agenda behind it. Getting riled up by what he says is clearly what he wants especially his rivals but for the own fans to feel the same way is somewhat funny.

I know, but sometime this season is has just got abit boring and annoying.

[Fernando 6,743]

Jose Mourinho prepares Chelsea's end-of-term report for Roman Abramovich to recommend how club can improve

I like this, and would love to see this report.

But I think the club can do two things for the next season.

One address the short term problems and throw the money like city did in the season. This would bring a short term fix as more then likely the players will be at their peak or end.

Or continue to build for the future. Like acquiring more younger potential targets like Oscar, Salah, Schurrle and the like.

Each option brings different responsibility.

The first you are expected to win trophies.

The second, the club might be more lenient considering the state of the players your bringing in and perhaps implementing youth from the Academy.

Let's see what is the plan the club will go with this summer.

[The only place to be 11,313]

I like this, and would love to see this report.

But I think the club can do two things for the next season.

One address the short term problems and throw the money like city did in the season. This would bring a short term fix as more then likely the players will be at their peak or end.

Or continue to build for the future. Like acquiring more younger potential targets like Oscar, Salah, Schurrle and the like.

Each option brings different responsibility.

The first you are expected to win trophies.

The second, the club might be more lenient considering the state of the players your bringing in and perhaps implementing youth from the Academy.

Let's see what is the plan the club will go with this summer.

You can do both. In January we bought Matic, Zouma and Salah. Matic is very much for now, Zouma is one for the future and Salah is probably a bit of both.

I think we'll continue looking to get in the best youngsters (Pasalic will come in the summer and I expect a few others) whilst buying players who will immediately improve us, the primary one being a striker. Ultimately it all comes down to value.

[Fernando 6,743]

You can do both. In January we bought Matic, Zouma and Salah. Matic is very much for now, Zouma is one for the future and Salah is probably a bit of both.

I think we'll continue looking to get in the best youngsters (Pasalic will come in the summer and I expect a few others) whilst buying players who will immediately improve us, the primary one being a striker. Ultimately it all comes down to value.

Yeah forgot about Zouma.

Kalas did good against Liverpool but the dude did not get much chances this season. He was really mad at mourinho before. Not sure if he changed his mind but I wouldn't mind seeing him given a chance in the new season.

I would also be interested to see if next season there's a step up to the younger players from the Academy.

Cause I remember reading this from mourinho some months ago that starting next season we would bring one player from the Academy.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Yeah forgot about Zouma.

Kalas did good against Liverpool but the dude did not get much chances this season. He was really mad at mourinho before. Not sure if he changed his mind but I wouldn't mind seeing him given a chance in the new season.

I would also be interested to see if next season there's a step up to the younger players from the Academy.

Cause I remember reading this from mourinho some months ago that starting next season we would bring one player from the Academy.

Kalas really was unlucky with the timing of his injury. Shame because he's looked good but hopefully he'll stick around next season especially if we lose Luiz. It means we can take more time with Zouma too.

I think there's a few young guys who can all stake a claim in the summer for a spot in the squad. A lot of players will be involved with the world cup so the first few friendlies could see a lot more gametime for these young'uns. Best bets would probably be Kalas, Chalobah and maybe even Loftus-Cheek.

[Reddish-Blue 2,701]

Kalas really was unlucky with the timing of his injury. Shame because he's looked good but hopefully he'll stick around next season especially if we lose Luiz. It means we can take more time with Zouma too.

I think there's a few young guys who can all stake a claim in the summer for a spot in the squad. A lot of players will be involved with the world cup so the first few friendlies could see a lot more gametime for these young'uns. Best bets would probably be Kalas, Chalobah and maybe even Loftus-Cheek.

I hope Chalobah is part of a premier league squad next season, whether that be at Chelsea or somewhere on loan..

Next season's potential squad (*assuming Costa deal is all but done):

Cech, Courtois

Ivan, Azpi, Terry, Cahill, Kalas/Zouma, new LB

Matic, Ramires, MvG, Lampard, new CM to replace Mikel?

Schurrle, Hazard, Oscar, Salah, Willian

Costa*, Lukaku/new second striker

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

I hope Chalobah is part of a premier league squad next season, whether that be at Chelsea or somewhere on loan..

Next season's potential squad (*assuming Costa deal is all but done):

Cech, Courtois

Ivan, Azpi, Terry, Cahill, Kalas/Zouma, new LB

Matic, Ramires, MvG, Lampard, new CM to replace Mikel?

Schurrle, Hazard, Oscar, Salah, Willian

Costa*, Lukaku/new second striker

1. If we call Courtois back, he must be our starter. Sell Cech while he still has got some value.

2. Going into the season with Ramires and Mikel as our only reliance in depth in a system where we need quality midfielders of distribution is already a recipe for disaster.

3. Ramires is an utter liability (squad player at best) and Mikel is getting in the way for Chalobah's development. (an actual youth product who can give this club some identity)

4. Atsu, Romeu, Van Aanholt, Piazon, Lukaku, and Coutois MUST be in the squad next year.

5. Rid of Torres and Eto'o. (I don't mind Demba Ba as third choice striker, assuming Mourinho sticks to his usual 3 strike ways going into a season)

6. A Central Midfielder, A Left Back, and a Quality Striker is what's needed to have a stabilized squad.

--------------ST---------------

Hazard----Oscar----Willian

----Matic----------CM----------

LB----------------------Azpilicueta

--------Terry----Cahill----------

------------Courtois---------------

Lukaku

Demba Ba

Schurrle

Piazon

Salah

Atsu

MVG

Romeu

Chalobah

Lampard

Ramires

Van Aanholt

Zouma

Kalas

Ake

Ivanovic

Blackman

[MrBlueGuy 1,552]

Now the season is over we can look forward to next season, Jose will need to improve and change or he will be sacked again. Like many have said, we need to recall Courtois and sign a CM and 1-2 top class strikers with Costa being one. Parking the bus in any circumstance will not be acceptable again now we WILL have a top class striker, EVERY SINGLE MATCH we need to aim to score the goals, no matter if it is at Liverpool, City, Arsenal, MU or at Real Madrid, we just cannot repeat all out defence performance against Atletico again.

Just that and winning us the title is the min expectation.

[Nike 373]

If Rafa got us the same results, people would be calling for his head right now...

Mourinho better buy whoever he needs and sell the surpluses if he wants to win next season.

[BloodIsBlue 291]

'The Jaded One'...

The FA has certainly put a muzzle on him after all his fines this season, so many fines...

youve been brainwashed .. there is more than one way to skin a cat ,,,

4231 is the best for the modern game. It accommodates speed and dribbling really well and tactically flexible, even Pellegrini stopped experimenting went with 4231 (when he plays Milner on the right of the attack that is practically like Mourinho playing Ramires there). 4231 is the stem cell of football formations it can easily be whatever you want it to be.

[Henrique 9,133]

So easy to say 4-2-3-1 is a defensive formation with the 2 DMs and all, when it's not. Guess you weren't complaining when we beat the smaller sides with this 4-2-3-1, were you? Has nothing to do with the formation at all but more so with the application of the system. Take RDM for instance, when he first came in, he set us up in a defensive 4-2-3-1 system looking to play on the counter but in the following season, we played a more attacking 4-2-3-1. If anything, Mourinho arguably need set us loose a bit more in his favored 4-2-3-1 and not change the whole system so that we are less defensive. Heck, even the suggested 4-4-2 can be defensive if a manager wants it to be that way. Doesn't mean it's more attacking and speaking of 4-4-2, that formation is never going to work for us properly if we don't utilize proper wingers and even overlapping full backs to stretch the play. Otherwise, most things are just gonna clock in the midfield area like we are doing now most of the time and that system itself have hardly been a success for us this season when we've used it. We never seem to be able to control the midfield since most sides these days play with 3 in midfield and we always get overrun and as a result of that, we then just launch aimless long balls and only hoping that something will come good of it rather than having an actual plan with it.

Hello James (nice to name). I think you just said the obvious. The system is not enough to determine if a team is offensive or defensive, but you missed the most important fact: Chelsea's squad. Playing 4-2-3-1 with the current squad is indeed a conservative approach, specially when we were facing teams like Crystal palace with Matic+Luiz in the pivot. Mourinho tried a more adventurous approach in the first leg of the season with Lampard+Ramires, but this partnership had poor presence in the mid, and could not cover the defenders properly.

I don't even need to reply the "Guess you weren't complaining when we beat the smaller sides with this 4-2-3-1, were you? ". But the answer is "yes". I think many will agree that even when the team was beating the "smaller sides", the team was far from convincing, creating few chances and relying on the individual brilliance of our attacking men.

With the squad we have, 4-2-3-1 is not the answer for a game where you need to take the initiative.

[zolayes 14,489]

Hello James (nice to name). I think you just said the obvious. The system is not enough to determine if a team is offensive or defensive, but you missed the most important fact: Chelsea's squad. Playing 4-2-3-1 with the current squad is indeed a conservative approach, specially when we were facing teams like Crystal palace with Matic+Luiz in the pivot. Mourinho tried a more adventurous approach in the first leg of the season with Lampard+Ramires, but this partnership had poor presence in the mid, and could not cover the defenders properly.

I don't even need to reply the "Guess you weren't complaining when we beat the smaller sides with this 4-2-3-1, were you? ". But the answer is "yes". I think many will agree that even when the team was beating the "smaller sides", the team was far from convincing, creating few chances and relying on the individual brilliance of our attacking men.

With the squad we have, 4-2-3-1 is not the answer for a game where you need to take the initiative.

Can you please explain to Blood is Blue 4 2 3 1 is not the ONLY (or maybe not even the Best ) way to heaven