The Mourinho Thread

[Stats 7,142]

To those who think Jose should tire his squad ahead of the Wednesday important game by playing his aces in this meaningless game against liverscums.

The Guardian is reporting that Chelsea has given Jose the green light to field a completely changed line-up.

Jose´s plans were discussed with all & given the all-clear by owner Roman. Fuck you Liverpoops.

It is not meaningless. It may seem unrealistic but would you have predicted City to drop points against Sunderland? I don't think so. They have a dfficult game against Palace without Toure and possibly Silva. They can drop points there and at Everton. Opens the gateway for us. Now if we beat Liverpool 2 points behind and they have to go to Palace and from what I have seen Liverpool struggle against Palace. They certaintly will not find it easy to go to Selhurst Park and win. We should not give up. While we are in we are in it. I doubt we will do it but there is a chance and knowing the PL anything can prove possible until the final game.

[bushman 2,043]

It is not meaningless. It may seem unrealistic but would you have predicted City to drop points against Sunderland? I don't think so. They have a dfficult game against Palace without Toure and possibly Silva. They can drop points there and at Everton. Opens the gateway for us. Now if we beat Liverpool 2 points behind and they have to go to Palace and from what I have seen Liverpool struggle against Palace. They certaintly will not find it easy to go to Selhurst Park and win. We should not give up. While we are in we are in it. I doubt we will do it but there is a chance and knowing the PL anything can prove possible until the final game.

It´s meaningless from Chelsea´s point of view.

[The Skipper 20,609]

Right....but wouldn't some of those same players be involved in defending as well?? Or are we going to call a timeout when we lose possession and bring on the defensive unit?

That obviously goes without saying? But if you think that we'd be so defensively vulnerable if Torres had support from two more guys on the counter and if you think we simply can't risk that because Atletico are so dangerous going forward then bravo, because I don't. We're just going to have to agree to disagree on that one here.

Decent. Not good, not excellent....decent. OK.

Yes, decent, considering he was up there on his own. It might have been good or excellent if he had a couple of players that supported him when going forward on the counter.

I'm not sure Oscar has even been a decent counter-attacking threat since the game away to Southampton on January 1st.

Oscar has generally been good in Europe for us. This would've been a decent game for him to play in.

I think the risk simply wasn't worth it, especially when you lose your first-choice keeper and then your defensive lynchpin and also have a second leg to play. You're also looking at the possibility of a player on a yellow card being slightly out of position and having to make a tackle whilst running back towards goal. Again, why risk it?

Schwarzer is going to play at the Bridge too, does that mean we should also go as cautious as we did in Spain? Of course not. And I'm 100% certain Jose won't go as cautious either. He isn't a bad goalkeeper. Yes, he isn't highly experienced in the CL but he's still a good goalkeeper. We lost JT at around the 70th minute mark, so I don't think including him in your analysis is relevant because we could've still committed more men on the break before that. If Jose went this conservative after the injury but before that he at least tried to allow the players to counter attack better by committing a few more forward on the counter then fine, I wouldn't say anything because that's perfectly understandable, but that wasn't the case.

I could give a fuck about the advantage we might have when the most important thing is that we're not at a disadvantage going into it.

Well you're wrong if you think we don't have any sort of disadvantage because the away goal rule is clearly there for all to see. If you were an Atletico fan or rather yet, if we were at the Bridge in the first leg and we played out a 0-0 draw would you say that we have no advantage at all going to the Vicente Calderon with the away goal rule there? Of course you wouldn't.

Someone once said that Atletico are more adept at sitting deep, defending and hitting teams on the counter....and they'll punish us for it too. Well if we're chasing the game in the second leg from the off surely that plays into their hands doesn't it? As it is both teams probably need to score, and we'll hopefully have some key attacking pieces back who were missing in the first leg.

But it's good to know we're still in the tie. I'll go and get my shirt off the barbie.

You don't have to patronise me on that, can we not just debate as two intelligent Chelsea fans? I'll say it once again, I seriously don't think committing an extra two men going forward on the counter whilst the rest of the team remain deep would make us so vulnerable that Atletico would punish us. They aren't that great going forward when there's still that many men behind the ball. We'd have enough men to close off any spaces Atletico might attack whilst the rest of the team that went forward on the counter come back and recreate the shape we had started the game with. Simple.

Do you know how many teams have won CLs back to back? None.

It's actually quite a difficult trophy to win, and sometimes quality and skill means nothing. I've even heard of some teams fluking their way to a victory in the competition.

But Jose has been in the last five CL semis. He's actually got there more than anyone else and his record is comparable to Fergie's in terms of actually going through. You may think you're 'stating facts' (which of course absolves you of actually having to say anything vaguely committal) but what you're actually doing is regurgitating statistics without applying any context or meaning to them.

In light of that I find much to agree with in your final sentiment.

Apparently say anything that doesn't remotely praise Mou on here and you're instantly seen as the enemy by some. You don't need to remind me of his achievements, we're not discussing his ability as a manager in the CL as a whole. Of course it's a difficult trophy to win, that's not the debate here at all, but to say he usually does well in the CL semi finals isn't correct. I'm not knocking Jose in any way, just stating the fact that he has lost five of his seven CL semi final ties. I'm not talking about winning CLs back to back, I'm talking about his CL semi finals record. That's not knocking him as a manager or knocking his CL record, it just is what it is. You can't try and spin it and say he's done well in CL semi finals because he hasn't.

It's how in the same way he's won every CL final he's been part of. That means he does well in CL finals. I don't know why you're trying to spin it into me saying something sinister or bad about Mourinho.

The original discussion was about people comparing Real's result with ours and I was trying to convey that we were way too conservative to even compare the two results/performances; we parked the bus, they had a true counter attacking approach; we were away, they were at home; they created plenty of chances to bed the game, I can't even remember us creating a chance on goal; they have a complete team, we don't. They were two complete different scenarios.

It has now somehow conveyed into a unnecessary discussion between us both, you think that Mourinho's plan was 100% perfect and has given us a great advantage and no disadvantages, whilst I think that his plan was very good defensively, but that we could've played better on the counter, not as conservative - instead of sending just Torres and maybe Willian or Ramires forward, we could've sent one or two more because Atletico aren't good enough to punish us with the rest of our team sitting deep - if we leave back 6 men for a few seconds we really won't be as open as you're trying to portray we'd be - and that could've perhaps nicked us an away goal because I think Atletico are capable of grabbing an away goal at ours themselves. I think it's best we just leave the discussion where it is because it's spiralling into a needless, repetitive argument now.

[Stats 7,142]

It´s meaningless from Chelsea´s point of view.

We win and we are in the title race. Maybe out of our hands but it is possible. How is it meaningless from our point of view? We win, the pressure is on City and Liverpool who have tough fixtures remaining.

[bushman 2,043]

We win and we are in the title race. Maybe out of our hands but it is possible. How is it meaningless from our point of view? We win, the pressure is on City and Liverpool who have tough fixtures remaining.

You are not very good in your math. Try again.

To expect Liverpoops or Citeh to drop points is not worth to jeopardize Chelsea´s chances to win the CL.

Since Wednesday game is much more important, then Jose is correct to field B team on Sunday.

[Reddish-Blue 2,503]

We win and we are in the title race. Maybe out of our hands but it is possible. How is it meaningless from our point of view? We win, the pressure is on City and Liverpool who have tough fixtures remaining.

Liverpool doesn't have tough fixtures remaining...

Crystal Palace (A) and Newcastle at Anfield is hardly difficult for a team capable of outscoring anyone in the league at the moment..

[Stats 7,142]

You are not very good in your math. Try again.

To expect Liverpoops or Citeh to drop points is not worth to jeopardize Chelsea´s chances to win the CL.

Since Wednesday game is much more important, then Jose is correct to field B team on Sunday.

Well bushman or 'dumbman' as I will refer to you as we still have a chance. I would rather us challenge for the league then throw it away. Like I said the PL has shown anything is possible. What if we do win that game then go on to win the league. Or perhaps lose the game then see Liverpool and City drop points. We would regret playing a weakened team. I think it is possible that City drop points. Less possible than Liverpool however I still think they go to to go to Palace at 8pm on Monday night iirc. By that time they may be 2nd or 3rd if things go our way. Pressure hopefully will get to them.

I think you are the one who needs more maths lessons. If we have a chance of winning it that is mathmetically possible. Regardless of whether we have to rely on other teams it is mathemtically possible. Idiot.

Liverpool doesn't have tough fixtures remaining...

Crystal Palace (A) and Newcastle at Anfield is hardly difficult for a team capable of outscoring anyone in the league at the moment..

Palace has proved to be difficult for many teams. City were outsocring most teams before. Now would you have predicted them to batter Sunderland? I would of but no. A team who was last in the league nearly got 3 points there. Until the last day anything is possible. I will always keep believing.

[bushman 2,043]

Well bushman or 'dumbman' as I will refer to you as we still have a chance. I would rather us challenge for the league then throw it away. Like I said the PL has shown anything is possible. What if we do win that game then go on to win the league. Or perhaps lose the game then see Liverpool and City drop points. We would regret playing a weakened team. I think it is possible that City drop points. Less possible than Liverpool however I still think they go to to go to Palace at 8pm on Monday night iirc. By that time they may be 2nd or 3rd if things go our way. Pressure hopefully will get to them.

I think you are the one who needs more maths lessons. If we have a chance of winning it that is mathmetically possible. Regardless of whether we have to rely on other teams it is mathemtically possible. Idiot.

Palace has proved to be difficult for many teams. City were outsocring most teams before. Now would you have predicted them to batter Sunderland? I would of but no. A team who was last in the league nearly got 3 points there. Until the last day anything is possible. I will always keep believing.

Well, let me educate you on a few things. First of all, do not insult me, otherwise you may just fuck off.

Secondly, I have my opinion you have yours. That´s the end of our discussion here.

[Stats 7,142]

Well, let me educate you on a few things. First of all, do not insult me, otherwise you may just fuck off.

Secondly, I have my opinion you have yours. That´s the end of our discussion here.

If you use your brain maybe you would realise that if you want be be treated a certain way then you should treat other people the same way. Don't talk to me like that: "you are not very good in your math". I find that rather rude. If you find that is a decent way of speaking to people in life I feel sorry for you then. I have noticed it with a lot of people on this forum. You seem to try and belittle them when you talk. So like I said treat people the way you wish to be treated.

Comprende?

[Styles 9,790]

No, it isn't the same. Real did that against a possession based, tiki-taka side in Bayern Munich, everyone knows that you sit deep and counter against a Pep side. Real were brilliant on the counter, committing 4/5 men forward. Us on the other hand whenever we did get the chance to counter only committed about 2 men forward. Plus, Atletico Madrid don't even play a possession based game.

IMO (which I know I might get blasted for by some on here) we showed AM a bit too much respect. The line up we sent out there was okay, the defensive strategy we employed was impressive but we were horrible going forward on the counter. There's no denying that we could've been a lot more adventurous going forward on Tuesday night.

We didn't need to play "attractive football" (whatever your definition of that is) but we were far too conservative I think.

I hope you and everyone that liked your post will understand that this comparison does not make sense. Bayern has a ball possession based game (unlike Atlético), despite defending for most part of the game, Real still were VERY dangerous in the counter, while we barely really created any chances. Real had 9 attempts, 7 on target (Neuer made some good defenses while Curtois was only a passenger), while we had 5 attempts and 3 on target.

Its pretty hard to imagine Real having the same tactics facing Atletico.

I get what you guys are saying but my point is Madrid were overmatched. Simply put: in an open game of football Bayern are comfortably better and would win because of their superior ability. There aren't many teams Madrid will play like that against. Why that's relevant to us is we're lower in the food-chain and will have to play like that against more teams than Madrid will need too.

Let's not kid ourselves and overrate our players; in this moment in time Atletico Madrid are to Chelsea what Bayern are to Madrid. They are comfortably better and we need to play against them in a way that allows us to compete.

The only difference between Madrid and Chelsea's game plan is they have Ronaldo, Benzema and Di Maria to make better use of their limited possession.

[The Skipper 20,609]

If you use your brain maybe you would realise that if you want be be treated a certain way then you should treat other people the same way. Don't talk to me like that: "you are not very good in your math". I find that rather rude. If you find that is a decent way of speaking to people in life I feel sorry for you then. I have noticed it with a lot of people on this forum. You seem to try and belittle them when you talk. So like I said treat people the way you wish to be treated.

Comprende?

Just put him on the ignore list, most on the forum have.

[bushman 2,043]

If you use your brain maybe you would realise that if you want be be treated a certain way then you should treat other people the same way. Don't talk to me like that: "you are not very good in your math". I find that rather rude. If you find that is a decent way of speaking to people in life I feel sorry for you then. I have noticed it with a lot of people on this forum. You seem to try and belittle them when you talk. So like I said treat people the way you wish to be treated.

Comprende?

Since you are clueless in math, I had no alternatives, but...

Whatever, you noticed, it´s irrelevant to me. Just hit the road.

[Stats 7,142]

Since you are clueless in math, I had no alternatives, but...

Whatever, you noticed, it´s irrelevant to me. Just hit the road.

Yeah, it was clear who the hypocrite was. Like I said, idiot

[The Skipper 20,609]

I get what you guys are saying but my point is Madrid were overmatched. Simply put: in an open game of football Bayern are comfortably better and would win because of their superior ability. There aren't many teams Madrid will play like that against. Why that's relevant to us is we're lower in the food-chain and will have to play like that against more teams than Madrid will need too.

Let's not kid ourselves and overrate our players; in this moment in time Atletico Madrid are to Chelsea what Bayern are to Madrid. They are comfortably better and we need to play against them in a way that allows us to compete.

The only difference between Madrid and Chelsea's game plan is they have Ronaldo, Benzema and Di Maria to make better use of their limited possession.

Except Atletico aren't a possession based side, so you can't really compare them to Bayern in my opinion. Whilst Real's style of football and players they have at their disposal is a great match up against Bayern's style of football (so do ours but to a lesser extent obviously, providing we implement the right game plan), you can't say the same about Atletico in regards to their comparison to Bayern, who are just as uncomfortable in possession as we are from what I've seen from them.

Of course because Real have those players at disposal they can play on the counter more comfortably, I mean they are obviously the best counter attacking team in the world, we on the other hand didn't even really attempt a true counter attack in the game though even though we are capable of it and have shown that we can be devastating i.e. against City. To me, there is a notable difference between counter attacking and merely parking the bus. Real did the former, we did the latter, against a side that isn't even good in possession. I feel like I'm repeating myself a lot but in my opinion it was far too conservative and we aren't that inferior to Atletico; we showed them too much respect in that regards even though we had a few players out; in fact we aren't inferior at all when we have our full squad available, we're slightly better because of the effect an on form Hazard can have on a game.

[bushman 2,043]

Yeah, it was clear who the hypocrite was. Like I said, idiot

Get lost asshole!

[darrus 422]

It´s meaningless from Chelsea´s point of view.

We still can finish 5th by the way.

[Styles 9,790]

Except Atletico aren't a possession based side, so you can't really compare them to Bayern in my opinion. Whilst Real's style of football and players they have at their disposal is a great match up against Bayern's style of football (so do ours but to a lesser extent obviously, providing we implement the right game plan), you can't say the same about Atletico in regards to their comparison to Bayern, who are just as uncomfortable in possession as we are from what I've seen from them.

Of course because Real have those players at disposal they can play on the counter more comfortably, I mean they are obviously the best counter attacking team in the world, we on the other hand didn't even really attempt a true counter attack in the game though even though we are capable of it and have shown that we can be devastating i.e. against City. To me, there is a notable difference between counter attacking and merely parking the bus. Real did the former, we did the latter, against a side that isn't even good in possession. I feel like I'm repeating myself a lot but in my opinion it was far too conservative and we aren't that inferior to Atletico; we showed them too much respect in that regards even though we had a few players out; in fact we aren't inferior at all when we have our full squad available, we're slightly better because of the effect an on form Hazard can have on a game.

If we had everybody available and in good form I think we're a hell of a lot closer to them.

Fair enough we were far more conservative than Madrid, but we didn't have the attacking ability on the night to be more of a threat on the counter. If Eto'o, Hazard are available and Willian can play through the middle then I think we will pose far more of a threat.

Don't get me confused guys, I hate that we can't go toe to toe with these teams and have to park the bus but we're just not that good no matter how much we've spent.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I'm really confident, I always am on big nights when we know what we have to do. The Jose factor, our attitude and the crowd being right behind the team tells me it will be our night.

I am too. I'd give us a chance against anyone in the world at the bridge. That said, I do think you always need a few things to go your way to win a CL semifinal.

[bushman 2,043]

We still can finish 5th by the way.

No, way. Chelsea will field B team on Sunday. Gears all energy for Wednesday & the two remaining games in the PL.

After Wednesday, the schedule is acceptable & Chelsea will be in the CL for next season.

[Special Juan 28,141]

I am too. I'd give us a chance against anyone in the world at the bridge. That said, I do think you always need a few things to go your way to win a CL semifinal.

Ref, Ref and Ref. That for me is more worrying than Atletico.