The Mourinho Thread

[Barbara 15,149]

I think there are a few things to consider from the match before we crucify players and manager.

Last page I used probably 1000 words in a debate with Blue Army about how takes time to a manager to establish and solidify his philosophy and style of play in a team.
We aren't the same Chelsea (squad wise) from 6 years ago and neither is Mourinho. So while he already knows the club, is familiar how things are handled there off pitch, he's starting over. There's little he can use from his first time here to find the team that will work best. Even the club's philosophy seems to have changed from his first spell to now. So while he's familiar with Terry, Cole, Cech and Lamps, that's too little because six years are a lot, and those players - maybe with the exception of Cech - aren't the same anymore.

He needs to get to know his players, but really know them. Their weaknesses, their strengths, the areas they can improve, the areas they just can't. Then he needs to see how those players compliment each other and compensate weaknesses. I'm sure he already has a plan in mind, but there's a long distance between having that plan and reaching his goal. At some points he will have to make adjustments because plans rarely go completely smoothly.

And it means he'll make mistakes, just like he did yesterday. 65 minutes to do the changes was a bit late imo (still way better than 85). I think Torres would have been more suited to the match than Ba was. Whether we like him or not, whether we want to strangle him for playing deeper than he should or not, his movement and linkups against Hull offered more space for Kevin, Oscar, Hazard and even Lampard play. That's not enough, don't take me wrong, but I think he could have done the same with Villa. We insisted on playing in the center where all their players were concentrated and when Torres goes deeper to receive the ball, he frees one of AM to go wider because there are so many players that can occupy the same zone. According to Newton 2 bodies can't occupy the exact same space, but last night we tried to challenge the physics law with the insistence of centralizing the play.

I also think he should start considering a rotation with Lampard. Forget the squad rotation now, he won't rotate the squad so early in the season. he might make a few changes to try to find a better tactical result, that's experiment, not rotation. The only reason he's rotating the three strikers is because he's trying to give them equal chances before a new striker arrives, so they know where they stand in his plans. Had Rooney or whoever else been here already, I doubt he'd be trying to give the same play time for all 4 strikers. He's rotating where we are the most deficient because his better prospect is still two young, inexperienced, a tad nervous and he needs to be careful with the boy otherwise he'll damage his progress.

Back to Lamps... I think it's only a matter of shape. he can't play twice a week. He will produce really well one match, but the other he'll be more prone to mistakes, just like yesterday. When you body doesn't obey your brain, there's nothing left for you to do and I hope they both recognize it soon.

Of course, Jose knows he made mistakes. He's still getting to know the players and I think he'll make a few more before he figures out what works and what doesn't.

What i really like is him questioning his own decisions and analysing them etc. And what he said about the team was correct.
At least we know we won't have to be subject to the 89th min left back sub when we need a goal. He won't be afraid to change things at half time or before if he thinks something is not right. Great to have him back.
He is still learning with the team, so he is gonna make slight errors here and there, tactically or selection wise.

I agree with you guys. But if we know he's made mistakes because he has to know the team better, let's give him time to get to know his players (I'm not implying any of you isn't giving him time)

In his post-match interview he sort of blamed himself for the line up and players he had selected, so at least something. Hopefully he will learn from that. It was an awful performace and Villa seems to be his bogey team so luckily we got the points.

He blamed himself for two reasons: 1) he was to blame 2) he protects his players for the most part.
But let's not confuse him with Daddy Carlo. He protects the players, but he's also very tough on them, sometimes even in the press room - where he shouldn't. But the thing is journalists know Mourinho well and they start making questions that will lead him to talk about players when they're sub par or when he, for example, leaves Torres even out of the bench... They're baiting for a reaction, for player criticism and while yesterday the reason was tactical, sometimes it will be technical. But overall I feel like Mou protects the players that trust him and his decisions. It's the players that challenge his decisions (and consequently his leadership) that usually aren't spared in pressers.

Good 3 points Mourinho.
Was ugly, and you will get criticism for that.
But for me, I'm happy.

Just one thing. Mata as RW......hopefully you can try to make it work, or find a better solution.

The problem wasn't where Mata played - Mazacar was as dynamic as they were under di Matteo and they exchanged positions a lot. The problem is Mata is completely out of shape and it'll take a long while for him to be at the same level as the rest of the squad. Nobody is 100% fit already. I'd say in general they're around 70-80% while Mata is I don't know 40%. Then he takes 3-4 weeks to finally be 70-80%, by then the other guys will already be 100%, but he'll still need another 3-4 weeks to reach it. So no matter where Mourinho plays Mata now, he won't deliver what he usually does and there's no way Mourinho shouldn't use him because the less he plays the longer it'll take for him to reach his ideal form and we need Mata - much less than we needed him in the last couple of years - but we still need him. You can't ignore a player of his caliber.

[Fernando 6,585]

Oh there was something I wanted to comment.

I remember Mourinho saying that the scouting system that Chelsea now has is one of the best he seen.

Said it was better then Inter, Madrid and Porto.

While he might be right about the first two, nobody can beat the Portuguese club when it comes to scouting.

But yes, it's true our scouting system has improve massively since he was last here.

Well done to the board and staff running the club.

[Laylabelle 9,536]

This is a typical Mou ploy! Take the bad limelight away from the players..

Excactly what Fergie used to do and it worked.Say something a bit hmmmm.Dodgy result forgotten and all focus on that.Clever

[borriske 330]

Jose is one hell of a manager. Very manipluative. If he is holding 4 aces he will make you think he has 4 jokers. I can guarentee you, this is all a ploy for the more important games.

Why would he show his full hand?? So other teams can study our game tapes and find a way around us?? Wake up people!! Jose's insructions are simple, go out there, get the 3 points and relax. It's a long season and we wan't to peak at the right time.

IN JOSE WE WILL ALWAYS TRUST!!

Don't overhype mourinho, he isn't perfect. You really think that was how he wanted it? With zero chances created after our goal and them having three or so goal scoring chances. Of course he is gonna make mistakes. With mazacar he even fielded our (potentially) strongest attacking trio, so how is that consistent with hiding our gameplans.

[edenhazard17 281]

Don't overhype mourinho, he isn't perfect. You really think that was how he wanted it? With zero chances created after our goal and them having three or so goal scoring chances. Of course he is gonna make mistakes. With mazacar he even fielded our (potentially) strongest attacking trio, so how is that consistent with hiding our gameplans.

'He is not God, but almost' - Hazard on Mourinho

[borriske 330]

'He is not God, but almost' - Hazard on Mourinho

That was more regarding his status here at chelsea, rather than his qualities tbf. If I'm not mistaken, that quote dates from before Hazard met Mourinho

[Term-X 7,891]

That was more regarding his status here at chelsea, rather than his qualities tbf. If I'm not mistaken, that quote dates from before Hazard met Mourinho

No, it wasn't.

"Mourinho is the best coach in the world."

Source: L'Equipe (direct quotes)

[borriske 330]

No, it wasn't.

"Mourinho is the best coach in the world."

Source: L'Equipe (direct quotes)

True, he called him the best coach in the world, but regarding the god-quote

"Everyone is talking about him here. He is not God, but almost. The fans and the players love him. I wait and see."

Anyhow there are more important things to discuss i believe

[Term-X 7,891]

True, he called him the best coach in the world, but regarding the god-quote

"Everyone is talking about him here. He is not God, but almost. The fans and the players love him. I wait and see."

Anyhow there are more important things to discuss i believe

Context is everything, it was from the same interview.

He called Mourinho THE best coach in the world, and you tried to act like Hazard merely echoed his status at the club, smh.

[didierforever 7,349]

when is jose's next press conference? any idea?

[Milan 17,959]

Today, 1pm London time.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

when is jose's next press conference? any idea?

Should be Sunday. Or today at 1 BST.

[gary gordon 1,777]

Don't overhype mourinho, he isn't perfect. You really think that was how he wanted it? With zero chances created after our goal and them having three or so goal scoring chances. Of course he is gonna make mistakes. With mazacar he even fielded our (potentially) strongest attacking trio, so how is that consistent with hiding our gameplans.

Ok dude, You have a lot to learn about Jose.. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride..

[Fernando 6,585]

Enjoyed the conference.

More please!

[Jase 43,479]

Should be Sunday. Or today at 1 BST.

Managers' press conference are never done on a weekend. Specifically, our manager press conference are usually held on a Friday for the weekend's league game, even if we are to play on a Monday. For matches on weekdays, they are normally done just one day before the game is played. Though it should be noted that there isn't always press conferences for domestic cup matches especially the League Cup unless when you reach the final.

[Zoro 151]

He completely owned Tottenham in todays conference. LOVE YOU JOSE!

[Hutcho 8,443]

Was out. Anyone got a link of the presser for me?

[Jase 43,479]

Mourinho's press conference today...

[Jase 43,479]

José Mourinho: Chelsea's best years are coming

A good interview of Jose on Sports Illustrated.

[Barbara 15,149]

José Mourinho: Chelsea's best years are coming

A good interview of Jose on Sports Illustrated.

I loved this:

Wahl: I want to have a little fun here. I'll read off some coaches' names, and you give me one sentence with your opinion on each.

Mourinho: OK.

Wahl: Carlo Ancelotti.

Mourinho: He loves to go after me. (laughs)