The Mourinho Thread

[Sidzeret 2,257]

LOL what we are not considered Boring anymore

The best part is that we learned to break down a park bus now.

Bring on West Ham

[Barbara 15,149]

The best part is that we learned to break down a park bus now.

Bring on West Ham

exactly! Watching MOTD they highlighted Villa players when we were attacking, they had 8 and sometimes 9 players behind the ball. There were Villa players everywhere and we still handled it very well. Let's not forget those guys conceded 3 goals to Arsenal because of a 4-minute blackout and were back in their flawless marking for the rest of the game (which is why I disagree with some early assessments in the pre-match thread of people saying they couldn't defend).

They defend quite well and we dealt with it brilliantly. We created, we involved them with our passing (698 passes is something to make Pep jealous of), we were effective and we had a few more clear chances created (I count both Costa headers - as he wasn't properly marked in any, as well as Oscar's weak shot - and I guess there was also a Willian shot that Guzan saved - not the first goal - , but I'm not so sure). That's a good response against a team that can properly park the bus and show quality doing that.

I have no complaints.

[Cosmin 2,484]

So I guess this is how things are going to be from now on. After every convincing win, some people will start acting childish. The game was excellent, great passing and nice team goals, hands down. Beating Villa like this is great and I am really happy about it, but it has nothing to do with what we've been discussing on the last '5-10 pages'. And it doesn't change my opinion regarding the other matter (the City game, to be more specific) and it doesn't change the fact that we were EXTREMELY defensive against City and way too precautious. So before being so sarcastic and full of himself, someone should understand the difference between the two matters.

[didierforever 7,349]

Ahh...they are just having a laugh like us

Nope. Their are actually geniuses out there who still think that all we do is defend. Why? Cos jose had the audacity of being solid as a defensive unit against our only true title rivals at their home and with us having a 5 point lead.

Like I said, GENIUSES.

[Cholo 428]

So I guess this is how things are going to be from now on. After every convincing win, some people will start acting childish. The game was excellent, great passing and nice team goals, hands down. Beating Villa like this is great and I am really happy about it, but it has nothing to do with what we've been discussing on the last '5-10 pages'. And it doesn't change my opinion regarding the other matter (the City game, to be more specific) and it doesn't change the fact that we were EXTREMELY defensive against City and way too precautious. So before being so sarcastic and full of himself, someone should understand the difference between the two matters.

[Tomo 21,736]

So I guess this is how things are going to be from now on. After every convincing win, some people will start acting childish. The game was excellent, great passing and nice team goals, hands down. Beating Villa like this is great and I am really happy about it, but it has nothing to do with what we've been discussing on the last '5-10 pages'. And it doesn't change my opinion regarding the other matter (the City game, to be more specific) and it doesn't change the fact that we were EXTREMELY defensive against City and way too precautious. So before being so sarcastic and full of himself, someone should understand the difference between the two matters.

Well you will see a manager next week play the attacking football you crave in an away big game, and if we play to even 70 percent of our capabilities we will benefit big time from it.

[Cosmin 2,484]

As expected, more childish behaviour. But what can you ask from a man who has that kind of picture as his avatar?!

Well you will see a manager next week play the attacking football you crave in an away big game, and if we play to even 70 percent of our capabilities we will benefit big time from it.

Nah, I don't crave brainless football like the one Wenger makes his team play. I crave a little bit of courage from a team like ours and more than 0 shots after one half of the game against a good opponent. I explained myself many times before, I don't understand why you keep bringing the Rodgers and Wenger argument up to discussion, since it clearly has nothing to do with what I'm saying.

P.S: After what Chelsea's attacking players showed yesterday, do you honestly believe that we can't try more against a team like City?

[iseah100 5,612]

So I guess this is how things are going to be from now on. After every convincing win, some people will start acting childish. The game was excellent, great passing and nice team goals, hands down. Beating Villa like this is great and I am really happy about it, but it has nothing to do with what we've been discussing on the last '5-10 pages'. And it doesn't change my opinion regarding the other matter (the City game, to be more specific) and it doesn't change the fact that we were EXTREMELY defensive against City and way too precautious. So before being so sarcastic and full of himself, someone should understand the difference between the two matters.

[Cosmin 2,484]

There we go, you have my like! I am sure you expect more! Come on, you guys, feed him!

[Tomo 21,736]

As expected, more childish behaviour. But what can you ask from a man who has that kind of picture as his avatar?!

Nah, I don't crave brainless football like the one Wenger makes his team play. I crave a little bit of courage from a team like ours and more than 0 shots after one half of the game against a good opponent. I explained myself many times before, I don't understand why you keep bringing the Rodgers and Wenger argument up to discussion, since it clearly has nothing to do with what I'm saying.

P.S: After what Chelsea's attacking players showed yesterday, do you honestly believe that we can't try more against a team like City?

Wenger thing is more in jest, but the main points I make still stands.

We tried to play it the same way as last season there, but a mix of our midfielders having an off day on the ball (in February they were all spot on) and Citys persistent fouling meant wr could never build serious momentum on the counter, where as last season we took them apart.

What is conveniently forgotten is that home games against the big boys we have won with good football, especially Liverpool at home, if City scored a goal with beautiful play like Edens equaliser that day people would constantly be using it on here as an example off how football should be played.

Arsenal at home aswell, yes they capitulated but our high pressing (especially by Matic) and coming roaring out of the blocks was a major reason for that.

[robsblubot 3,578]

I have to say that Oscar makes a difference but just like in the city game, I don't see Mourinho having Oscar and Fabregas in the team against top team.

Is too attacking and our defense not so great.

That's why Mourinho is doing the right thing.

Going more attacking against the small team and going more defensive and balance against bigger teams.

If the plan is doing good you keep at it, because the league is not won by just beating your main opponent but also beating the 18 other teams in the league.

While I agree with the overall idea, disagree about oscar. He's rounded enough that he play in any attacking position.

It's just down to characteristics; Jose chose to go for counter against city, giving up possession entirely, which was disappointing to some. I can't see us playing the same way against arsenal because our midfield is stronger than theirs.

[Cosmin 2,484]

Wenger thing is more in jest, but the main points I make still stands.

We tried to play it the same way as last season there, but a mix of our midfielders having an off day on the ball (in February they were all spot on) and Citys persistent fouling meant wr could never build serious momentum on the counter, where as last season we took them apart.

What is conveniently forgotten is that home games against the big boys we have won with good football, especially Liverpool at home, if City scored a goal with beautiful play like Edens equaliser that day people would constantly be using it on here as an example off how football should be played.

Arsenal at home aswell, yes they capitulated but our high pressing (especially by Matic) and coming roaring out of the blocks was a major reason for that.

Firstly, I would like to say that I really appreciate the fact that you stay on topic and try to bring arguments in order to prove your point. As it can be seen, other people prefer to adopt a childish behaviour which makes it very hard to develop a serious debate.

Secondly, I don't think that it was the best option to play the same way as last season, because they were expecting us to do so. That's why Pellegrini tried to anihilate our midfielders and asked his players to foul everytime it was necessary. I agree with the third part of your post, we were really good at home last season and I enjoyed every single match against the big boys. But, I never claimed otherwise. I understand: the plan is to beat them at home and to at least draw against them away, but from my point of view, if we tried just a little bit more against a damaged City, we could've easily won that game. I am happy with the point, but that IS NOT the point, as I said many many times before.

If we play against Atletico in the UCL, don't you think that they'll expect us to be defensive away? It's predictable and when it's predictable, you should try bringing up the element of surprise, if you have what it takes. And to be honest, I really believe that this squad has what it takes. Chelsea never had a better attacking force than the one it has today.

[Tomo 21,736]

Firstly, I would like to say that I really appreciate the fact that you stay on topic and try to bring arguments in order to prove your point. As it can be seen, other people prefer to adopt a childish behaviour which makes it very hard to develop a serious debate.

Secondly, I don't think that it was the best option to play the same way as last season, because they were expecting us to do so. That's why Pellegrini tried to anihilate our midfielders and asked his players to foul everytime it was necessary. I agree with the third part of your post, we were really good at home last season and I enjoyed every single match against the big boys. But, I never claimed otherwise. I understand: the plan is to beat them at home and to at least draw against them away, but from my point of view, if we tried just a little bit more against a damaged City, we could've easily won that game. I am happy with the point, but that IS NOT the point, as I said many many times before.

If we play against Atletico in the UCL, don't you think that they'll expect us to be defensive away? It's predictable and when it's predictable, you should try bringing up the element of surprise, if you have what it takes. And to be honest, I really believe that this squad has what it takes. Chelsea never had a better attacking force than the one it has today.

Fair points.

I still personally believe we need proactive CBs and/or another midfield enforcer before we can play the way we did in first few games in an away big game especially and judging by our tactics in Eastlands Jose thinks the same (Benatia looks even more appealing in hindsight), funny thing is I still think this already great looking squad is two or three years away from being complete.

Great times ahead.

[boshman 1,073]

Am I reading these posts correctly?? People are genuinely moaning because we played a defensive game against City?? Seriously??

Right, so we're at the home of the current champions of this country. Who have some of the best attacking players in the world. Let's go there, open the game up, leave massive holes for their best players to do what they do best, leave our defence exposed for their pacey, powerful midfield to do what they do best, and get annihilated.... That's a good fucking idea isn't it!!!

Of course we are going to play a more defensive, cautious game away to City. If you don't do that you are stupid.

We're top of the league!! 5 points clear of our main challenge (City) having already played them away. 5 wins out of 6. 19 goals scored. A goal difference of +12. What the fuck is wrong with people??

[Cosmin 2,484]

Am I reading these posts correctly?? People are genuinely moaning because we played a defensive game against City?? Seriously??

Right, so we're at the home of the current champions of this country. Who have some of the best attacking players in the world. Let's go there, open the game up, leave massive holes for their best players to do what they do best, leave our defence exposed for their pacey, powerful midfield to do what they do best, and get annihilated.... That's a good fucking idea isn't it!!!

Of course we are going to play a more defensive, cautious game away to City. If you don't do that you are stupid.

We're top of the league!! 5 points clear of our main challenge (City) having already played them away. 5 wins out of 6. 19 goals scored. A goal difference of +12. What the fuck is wrong with people??

There's a difference between "Defensive" and "Way too defensive". And the second part of your post partially makes sense only if you think about a FIFA match between Chelsea and City. They were and still are in a poor form. Not to mention that no one claimed that we should've opened the game up, leave massive holes etc. As said before, being less cautious than we were against City (which is extremely cautious) doesn't mean going ahead like brainless chickens. Football is not only black and white. You can be solid in the defence, but also smart and unpredictable when you have the ball. Just like we were home against them, last season, btw.

[boshman 1,073]

There's a difference between "Defensive" and "Way too defensive". And the second part of your post partially makes sense only if you think about a FIFA match between Chelsea and City. They were and still are in a poor form. Not to mention that no one claimed that we should've opened the game up, leave massive holes etc. As said before, being less cautious than we were against City (which is extremely cautious) doesn't mean going ahead like brainless chickens. Football is not only black and white. You can be solid in the defence, but also smart and unpredictable when you have the ball. Just like we were home against them, last season, btw.

We were not 'Way too defensive' though. We had a game plan and we executed it well. Soak up the pressure which we are very good at doing and hit them on the counter. I don't see what is wrong with that. Especially away to The Champions. If we were more attacking the game naturally would open up and they would find more space to do what they do best. It would be ridiculous to allow that to happen IMO.

We were poor with our ball retention which is probably what cost us in the end. If we kept the ball better and used it better we would have created more chances. I don't think it had anything to do with the defensive game that cost us the 2 points. And remember we were only a width of a post from making it 2-0 and game over.

[lionsden 4,689]

So I guess this is how things are going to be from now on. After every convincing win, some people will start acting childish. The game was excellent, great passing and nice team goals, hands down. Beating Villa like this is great and I am really happy about it, but it has nothing to do with what we've been discussing on the last '5-10 pages'. And it doesn't change my opinion regarding the other matter (the City game, to be more specific) and it doesn't change the fact that we were EXTREMELY defensive against City and way too precautious. So before being so sarcastic and full of himself, someone should understand the difference between the two matters.

What's stupid about what he said or am i missing something

[iseah100 5,612]

What's stupid about what he said or am i missing something

It's in the past, man. Forget about it. It's early in the season and is a decent result away from home. Sheesh.