The Mourinho Thread

[Joker10 946]

Jose Mourinho has always been a reactive/conservative manager, don't think it has anything to do with insecurity. The man strives when he is an underdog at his best and better then anyone when playing against the odds. Mou has never been as good in a position when he is a fav and that it demands him to be proactive. He has shown that through out his career.

It is no criticism, just like everyone else he has his weaknesses.

[Reddish-Blue 2,513]

Supporter, you've outdone yourself this time mate, great post.

Courtois/Cech

Dave/Iva Zouma/Kalas JT/Stones Luis/Ake/Azpi

Cesc/Zouma/RLC Matic/Ake/(Loanee)

Mata/Messi/Cesc

Messi/Willian Hazard/Bamford

Diego/Bamford

Outs:

Oscar

Remy

Ramires

Mikel

Cahill(?)

^^^This team would be a personal favourite. Forgot to mention, if we stick Zouma in midfield then having 4 normal centre backs is not a bad shout. When Mata's in the team, it would tighten up the mid and might be a sensible change.

Cheers.

1. I don't understand why you would want to sell Ramires, he's a solid squad player and generally does the job asked of him..

2. I lost hope of Aké playing at Chelsea when Mourinho gave Zouma the chance to play as the "DM" in the league cup final

[zolayes 14,489]

1. I don't understand why you would want to sell Ramires, he's a solid squad player and generally does the job asked of him..

2. I lost hope of Aké playing at Chelsea when Mourinho gave Zouma the chance to play as the "DM" in the league cup final

I really thought Ake had a chance .. Hope he gets a good move

[Iggy Doonican 4,186]

This is from the comments section from the Guardian. The bloke who wrote it doesn't say who he supports (it's a piece on Fabregas) but he's in my opinion pretty much nailed it.

thebigfeller

22h ago

3132

On they stutter, doing entirely un-Mourinho-like things (or at least, compared with what we came to expect from him and them in his first spell in England). They'll win the league comfortably: by default as much as anything given the total lack of consistency beneath them. But...

... There's something wrong with Chelsea, and there's something more wrong with Mourinho. Their results and form have been going south ever since his nonsense claims of conspiracies (which he claimed when at Inter, and again at Real Madrid, and again now) began: at a time they were miles clear and walking the league. Since then, we've had:

- A 5-3 thrashing at Spurs who, as a few observers woke up to today, are VERY overrated. They have almost nothing in their side likely to scare anyone of any repute. But this was only the second time a Mourinho team's ever conceded 5

- An unthinkable humiliation at home, against League 1 opposition: and another 4 goals leaked into the bargain

- 3 draws in 4 home games, including against bottom 3 side Burnley. Mourinho teams just never used to do that

- And another draw: which this time eliminated them. Wednesday night's debacle against 10 men. Again, previously unthinkable

Chelsea fans probably won't be bothered by much of this. They're comfortably ahead; it'd take the collapse of all collapses for them not to win the title from here. But while I used to regard the argument that Mourinho didn't know how to coach genuine attacking football as unfair and a caricature, he has simply become a far more fearful, negative coach since being blown asunder 5-0 by Barcelona.

He's almost completely reactive: so obsessed with the opponent and the referee that his teams rarely impose themselves from the outset on anyone. His roboticised approach (good grief, he even SPEAKS like a robot: listen to him, he does) is, I think, at odds with players like Fabregas, as it was with the ludicrously mishandled Mesut Oezil in Madrid.

Not losing big away games is much, much more important to him than winning them: his caution let Man City and Man Utd back in meetings this season, and Chelsea have blown a whole bunch of leads in matches. Why? I think it's stemming from him. I think he makes far more in-game tactical errors than anyone seems to spot; I also think his intensity and obsession with starting fights with everyone exhausts his players.

First time round, Mourinho was as effective at shielding his players from pressure as any manager I've ever seen. I don't think that now. He drains the life out of football matches, but maybe out of his teams too. And his chronic over-use of six core players, despite strengthening the squad hugely last summer, speaks of someone obsessed with loyal lieutenants in whom he entrusts everything - but not trusting many other players (especially young ones). Why?

Two trophies this season will paper over the cracks - and Chelsea fans will laugh at this comment, I'm sure. But something is amiss; the whirlwind's going to blow itself out again. I think it's already doing so.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

Not playing Luis was terrible. Buying Cuadrado just to have such role for such big money is terrible. Not playing Remy more was questionable. Giving Ake #6, first team etc was plain bullshit from Mourinho. Ake should play more in certain games IMO if he was given place.

Sure first team members have performed, but there is no doubt Iva, Costa, Willian, Oscar should be dropped more. Mou fucked up in this department no doubt.

[iseah100 5,612]

when I was 15 we didnt even have TV or a phone and wrote on slate with chalk

How old ARE you? [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23]

[Leif 6,006]

Benzema & Pepe being the main 2 springing to mind, should remind people that it's nothing new, players playing despite awful form. It is what it is with Mourinho and so fucking sadly it won't change

[Polo7 3,496]

Not playing Luis was terrible. Buying Cuadrado just to have such role for such big money is terrible. Not playing Remy more was questionable. Giving Ake #6, first team etc was plain bullshit from Mourinho. Ake should play more in certain games IMO if he was given place.

Sure first team members have performed, but there is no doubt Iva, Costa, Willian, Oscar should be dropped more. Mou fucked up in this department no doubt.

If he was to play Ake and then Ake made a mistake that cost us the game, how many of you would blame Mourinho for the loss?

Also Mourinho made it clear that Cuadrado would have a bigger role next season.

[manpe 10,861]

If he was to play Ake and then Ake made a mistake that cost us the game, how many of you would blame Mourinho for the loss?

Also Mourinho made it clear that Cuadrado would have a bigger role next season.

Your first question basically tries to justify taking no risks. It's odd because 100% of the people here advocate inclusion of youth, but when needed to justify Jose's decisions, then it all goes out the window for some. This is how I think Mourinho thinks and this way we will never incorporate young players (and I'm not talking about the Zoumas and Varanes). And the worst part is that I'm sure the players (not only youngsters, but also fringe players) sense that distrust in them and that devoids them of all confidence, except for the really world class talents. Protecting players to the point they have nothing to be protected from anymore is the worst kind of man management imo. And I don't really buy that "protecting youth" bs, I think he's mostly protecting himself.

I agree with a lot of what Mourinho does, but the more time goes by, the more I'm starting to see his flaws. And like Peace said, his frailty too. His recent outbursts reek of desperation to assert his presence again. Maybe he thinks he'd gone too soft and now tries to build up the tough image again... I just wish he channeled that to his players not the media, referees and fans. Once we win the league I hope to god he releases himself from his shackles and grows some balls to drop consistently underperforming players and rely more on the hungry quality we have on the bench. Nobody can convince me that the likes of Filipe Luis, Schürrle, Salah, Cuadrado, Remy etc. are totally useless unless one of the untouchables is injured/suspended. As I said previously, I think they are/were absolutely devoid of confidence as a result of severe lack of playing time and distrust shown in them.

Case in point: Schürrle is actually a fantastic player, but he made one mistake against City that allowed Lampard to equalize and I think in that moment he was already subconsciously sold by Mourinho. Just like Salah, just like De Bruyne, just like Mata and so on. Cuadrado, Remy and Luis will lengthen that list if things don't change. However, then you look at the likes of Oscar, Ivanovic and Cahill and you wonder where the hell does such extreme favouritism come from. If some random benchies performed like they have a lot of times, I'm sure they'd be in reserves if it still existed.

[Reddish-Blue 2,513]

If he was to play Ake and then Ake made a mistake that cost us the game, how many of you would blame Mourinho for the loss?

Also Mourinho made it clear that Cuadrado would have a bigger role next season.

It's not like our current midfielders are playing perfect football without any mistakes...we clearly need a burst in energy, someone fresh in midfield

And anyway, if Aké did make a mistake on the pitch, I'm sure he would learn from that and make a better decision next time (just like any other youngster in world football)

I wouldn't blame Mourinho, I would praise him for having the balls to play Aké

[supporter 3,088]

I think that on a club like ours where every loss / draw is an authentic drama that seems the world is running out Jose does well be very cautious with young boys.

If Nathan Ake or Ruben Loftus-Cheek had played on Sunday they would probably be the focus of all criticism. It's sad, but a bad result brings out many unjustified criticism.

With 20 years a player is not ready for criticism. The press makes a fierce criticism against players for Absolutely dramatize everything.

I think that Jose managed well the policy of our young players. He uses this process with young players:

1. First they hit Jose makes training every day with him to internalize their methods / philosophy.

2. After Jose gives them an opportunity without any kind of risk.

3. If the youngster has good acting / performance, Jose gives him another chance in several consecutive games.

4. Jose puts him in a more or less important match.

5. If he has responded with its performance, Jose puts him in a big match.

6. If the player manages to pass each level, he is important for us (Kurt Zouma).

I think it's a wise not to "kill" the progress of our young players process.

In football sometimes critics are crazy. One day you are the best ever and the next you're the worst garbage of the universe.

For me go step by step with young kids is the best policy.

About Cuadrado, For me it is impossible to criticize him because he has not played practically. but Jose warned that Cuadrado will be important next season.

He has come here at a very difficult time for us, with matches with very high demands. Maybe it would have been unwise to put a player who has just arrived.

With Jose many players need time to adapt their working methods and Cuadrado is now at that stage. We have signed a Cuadrado for the next 4 seasons, not just for four months. Step by step.

Regards to ALL.

[manpe 10,861]

I think that Jose managed well the policy of our young players. He uses this process with young players: 1. First they hit Jose makes training every day with him to internalize their methods / philosophy. 2. After Jose gives them an opportunity without any kind of risk. 3. If the youngster has good acting / performance, Jose gives him another chance in several consecutive games. 4. Jose puts him in a more or less important match. 5. If he has responded with its performance, Jose puts him in a big match. 6. If the player manages to pass each level, he is important for us (Kurt Zouma)

Can you bring any examples where he's done that bar Varane and Zouma?

[supporter 3,088]

Can you bring any examples where he's done that bar Varane and Zouma?

Hi friend!

Right now Zouma is on the fourth level (4. Jose puts him in a more or less Important match) since the end only juice that we have played this season. At the beginning of the season Zouma never played because he was learning from Jose each entrenamierto. after he had a few minutes in games without risk (excepting the game against United, but it was a different situation) and then Zouma has begun to be important to us. Right now no one doubts that he will have a great future with us.

And Varane also passes through those levels. He came to Real Madrid in 2011 but it was not important to Jose until January 2013. As Zouma, Varane did not practically minutes in his first months with Jose but gradually was still important for Real Madrid.

The time when Varane arrived at the fifth level (5. If I've Respond With Its performance, Jose puts him in a big match.) when Jose gave him his big break in the Spanish Cup against Barcelona at Bernabeu. That was in January 2013, 18 months after his arrival at Real Madrid.

Zouma and Varane are the best examples for believing that go step by step is better with young players than take risks.

Regards.

[manpe 10,861]

Hi friend!

Right now Zouma is on the fourth level (4. Jose puts him in a more or less Important match) since the end only juice that we have played this season. At the beginning of the season Zouma never played because he was learning from Jose each entrenamierto. after he had a few minutes in games without risk (excepting the game against United, but it was a different situation) and then Zouma has begun to be important to us. Right now no one doubts that he will have a great future with us.

And Varane also passes through those levels. He came to Real Madrid in 2011 but it was not important to Jose until January 2013. As Zouma, Varane did not practically minutes in his first months with Jose but gradually was still important for Real Madrid.

The time when Varane arrived at the fifth level (5. If I've Respond With Its performance, Jose puts him in a big match.) when Jose gave him his big break in the Spanish Cup against Barcelona at Bernabeu. That was in January 2013, 18 months after his arrival at Real Madrid.

Zouma and Varane are the best examples for believing that go step by step is better with young players than take risks.

Regards.

I asked to bring examples bar them two. Both of them are extraordinary talents that were brought in not exactly for small money. He's been in management for 15 years, so far we have only two very recent examples. Any more? I'm genuinely asking because I'm not that familiar in depth what he did outside of Chelsea.

[stroey 2,525]

Hi friend!

Right now Zouma is on the fourth level (4. Jose puts him in a more or less Important match) since the end only juice that we have played this season. At the beginning of the season Zouma never played because he was learning from Jose each entrenamierto. after he had a few minutes in games without risk (excepting the game against United, but it was a different situation) and then Zouma has begun to be important to us. Right now no one doubts that he will have a great future with us.

And Varane also passes through those levels. He came to Real Madrid in 2011 but it was not important to Jose until January 2013. As Zouma, Varane did not practically minutes in his first months with Jose but gradually was still important for Real Madrid.

The time when Varane arrived at the fifth level (5. If I've Respond With Its performance, Jose puts him in a big match.) when Jose gave him his big break in the Spanish Cup against Barcelona at Bernabeu. That was in January 2013, 18 months after his arrival at Real Madrid.

Zouma and Varane are the best examples for believing that go step by step is better with young players than take risks.

Regards.

Hi friend,

I think Zouma is already in level 6, according to your formula.

He played many cup games and some CL games an did well (level 4) and then Mou put him against Liverpool and Mancity instead of Cahill (level 5) and hem performed well (level 6). He even trust him so much to play him out of position in midfield (level 7 [emoji12])

He did the same with Ake at the beginning of the season, Ake also played many cup games and had some time in the CL but unfortunately Ake got injured. After that he didn't get back into the team, because we arrived in an important part of the season.

I also think, when Mou wins this year's EPL he will have more balls to play open football, more attacking football, more youngsters and more rotation. Currently he is too afraid to risk things. That EPL title would bring us to a total new level, I really believe.

[Blue Colored Sky 1,807]

It's hard to talk about Mourinho philosophy in bringing youth, where he only brought Davide Santon directly from the Academy.

I seriously doubt that the press would be hard on youngster. Seriously ? They rather would point what was good, especially if that youngster was English.

[Blue Colored Sky 1,807]

Benzema & Pepe being the main 2 springing to mind, should remind people that it's nothing new, players playing despite awful form. It is what it is with Mourinho and so fucking sadly it won't change

Remember when he put all the blame on Schurrle for City equaliser while it was Ivanovic who completely switched off in that action ?

His allegiance to his leutanents is uncanny.

I also think, when Mou wins this year's EPL he will have more balls to play open football, more attacking football, more youngsters and more rotation. Currently he is too afraid to risk things. That EPL title would bring us to a total new level, I really believe.

I hope so too ! First thing first, start making substitutions before 70th minute.

[stroey 2,525]

I asked to bring examples bar them two. Both of them are extraordinary talents that were brought in not exactly for small money. He's been in management for 15 years, so far we have only two very recent examples. Any more? I'm genuinely asking because I'm not that familiar in depth what he did outside of Chelsea.

Chelsea 1st spell - Mikel? I forgot

Inter - Santon

Real - Varane (Nacho, Morata)

Chelsea - Zouma, (Ake)

We should not forget this project is also new to Mourinho, to cope with FFP, implement youngsters, work for a long time.

When he arrived in his past clubs, the main goal was fast trophies and he succeeded.

The longest time at 1 club was 3,25 years (first spell Chelsea)

Now this is a new project, Mou wants to stay here to be our Sir Alex, and if he win things, the club wants him to stay too.

But first things first, he needs to win the EPL to be calm again and to convince the board he is still the man for this job. He has a lot of pressure, we've seen the relieve when he won the COC, the celebration and smile. But that's just the starter, EPL is the main course.

It's like a poker player desperately grinding himself into the money before making risky moves, cause he needs the money so badly.

So when it's done (win the EPL), he will have less pressure, which means more space for mistakes, more space to try new things like more attacking formations, more space to play youngsters like he mentioned with RLC next season (as he expect to win the title).

So let's hope we win the EPL, it would be the best thing for our club's stability and future improvements.

[Fulham Broadway 17,347]

Pretty certain most of the clubs in the World, and the 91 clubs below Chels in the Football league would give their eye teeth to have Mourinho at the helm.

[Reddish-Blue 2,513]

Hi friend,

I think Zouma is already in level 6, according to your formula.

He played many cup games and some CL games an did well (level 4) and then Mou put him against Liverpool and Mancity instead of Cahill (level 5) and hem performed well (level 6). He even trust him so much to play him out of position in midfield (level 7 [emoji12])

He did the same with Ake at the beginning of the season, Ake also played many cup games and had some time in the CL but unfortunately Ake got injured. After that he didn't get back into the team, because we arrived in an important part of the season.

I also think, when Mou wins this year's EPL he will have more balls to play open football, more attacking football, more youngsters and more rotation. Currently he is too afraid to risk things. That EPL title would bring us to a total new level, I really believe.

Winning the title will mean nothing in terms of Jose giving more chances to youngsters. Some managers believe in youth, give them a chance to impress...other managers prefer the short-term approach.

The biggest indicator for me was the dead rubber we played in the last round of UCL group games. Mourinho could have fielded 2-3 youngsters for the full game...but instead, he played the same lineup and gave Ruben Loftus Cheek a worthless 8 minutes.