Jose Mourinho

[kmk]

 

[bigpalacios]

Everyone seems to want and predict this will fail without even knowing the plans Jose and Daniel have. So many assumptions that Jose wont have money to spend, I mean there is no fucking way Jose has signed for Spurs without being assured that there are significant funds there because otherwise he would be thinking whats the point?!

Gary Neville saying this job is a bridge, a bridge to where? He couldve got the Real job had he waited for fucks sake!

Chelsea and Utd saying hes finished and we are going to play boring football, oh fuck off.

Best training facilities in the world, best stadium in the world and now the best manager.

Next season there is going to be a lot of people eating humble pie.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

Has this been posted? Great analysis from Michael Cox on how we set up on Saturday.


One of the main questions surrounding Jose Mourinho’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur was whether he was capable of learning from his own failures. The 3-2 victory over West Ham, however, suggested something different – that he’s capable of learning from others’ successes.
One of the key developments of recent years has been the increasing tendency for title-winning sides to form an intriguing structure when in possession – essentially a 3-2-5. Three centre-backs spreading across the pitch, two holding midfielders protecting them closely and guarding against counter-attacks, with five attackers stretching the opposition back four.

No side literally plays a 3-2-5 formation, of course. But Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side, 3-4-3 in conventional terms, were so successful because their wing-backs formed a front five, often creating situations where a wing-back was free as a ‘man over’ after attacking down the opposite flank. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City often create a similar structure in a different way – sometimes 3-2-5, sometimes 2-3-5 – with Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva pushing forward to become bonus forwards, and the full-backs drifting into midfield.

There were few signs that Mourinho was attempting to use this system during his spell at Manchester United, but from the outset at Tottenham this was the most noticeable aspect of his approach. Mourinho formed the 3-2-5 in an asymmetrical way: from a starting system of 4-2-3-1, left-back Ben Davies tucked inside to become an extra centre-back, while right-back Serge Aurier pushed forward to become a right-winger. Their respective heat maps illustrate this well. Davies played a left-centre role and rarely ventured into the final third…

…whereas Aurier was generally located down the flank, and pushed forward towards the byline.

There’s nothing particularly unusual about Aurier attacking more than Davies, of course. The Ivorian is an overlapping full-back who impresses more with his crossing than his defending, whereas the Welshman is a steady, reliable defender who has often played as a left-sided centre-back for his national side.

But this was more than simply one going and one staying – it was a deliberate change of system within possession. Spurs’ right-winger – Lucas Moura – during the opening stages, would tuck inside to become an inside-right, allowing Aurier to hold the width. On the other flank, Son Heung-min would remain wide left. Dele Alli floated around to the left of Harry Kane, meaning Spurs’ forward line was effectively, from left to right, Son, Alli, Kane, Lucas, Aurier.

Here’s a good example, from midway through the first half. Sanchez and Davies are on the sides of a three-man defence, allowing Spurs to circulate the ball around West Ham’s attackers. Davies and Sanchez found themselves in space to play good passes into attacking positions – Davies played some good penetrative balls into the forwards, while Sanchez usually looked out wide for Aurier.

They’re protected by Winks and Dier sitting in very cautious positions – neither attempted to break forward and link with the forwards. Winks’ passing was somewhat more accurate than Dier’s, but both provided some important defensive contributions.

Then, further forward, you can see the front five. Aurier has pushed forward into a position where he’s actually the most advanced Tottenham player, with Son (who has temporarily switched positions with Lucas) playing inside. West Ham never managed to cope with this: their only solution was Felipe Anderson trotting back and effectively becoming a left-back in a five-man defence, which meant their chief counter-attacker wasn’t in a position to launch breaks.

Another benefit of this system was the fact that the use of two players in the channels either side of Kane meant the West Ham defenders were often concerned with their running in behind, allowing Kane to drop off and receive the ball in space. Here’s a similar situation from earlier in the game – the three-man defence evident again, then Winks and Dier in their usual holding positions.

Further forward, Alli and Son are almost occupying two defenders apiece with their positioning in the channels, which means Spurs find space almost everywhere else – Kane by dropping deep into the midfield zone, Lucas on the left, and Aurier on the far side. Kane pings one of his typical diagonal passes out towards Lucas.

The policy of pushing Aurier forward down the right paid dividends for Spurs’ third goal. Again, the two-man midfield is in place, with three defenders behind them. Alli has dropped off into the midfield zone here, but again the narrowness of Lucas allows Aurier space down the right. After Winks feeds Aurier, he crosses for Kane to convert at the far post.

The biggest positive for Tottenham, though, was the performance of Alli in the No 10 role. It seemed likely he would thrive under Mourinho, whose previous comments about what he wants from that player – an eight-and-a-half without possession, a nine-and-a-half with possession – tally nicely with Alli’s typical qualities as a No 10.

But here, Alli shone because he played the No 10 role like he was a proper No 10, doing the things we don’t usually associate with him. That was obvious in the opening stages with two incidents where Kane was caught offside, but nevertheless demonstrated Spurs’ intentions.
Three minutes in, Davies arrowed a pass from his left-sided centre-backs into Alli between the lines…

…and the amount of space Alli finds is incredible. From there, he dribbles forwards and slips in Kane, who hammers the ball into the net. He’s correctly flagged offside.

An almost identical move happened two minutes later. Davies again playing the pass, Alli again in an inside-left position…

…and Alli playing almost exactly the same ball for Kane, who is again offside.

And eventually this resulted in Spurs’ opener, when Winks fed a simple pass into the feet of Alli between the lines…

…and he looked up and slipped in Son, who turned onto his left foot and smashed the ball past Roberto, setting Spurs on their way.

The final scoreline reflects the fact that Tottenham allowed West Ham back into the game, probably through a combination of tiredness and simply poor defending.

But few doubt Mourinho’s ability to drill his defence. The main doubts were about whether his tactical approach has evolved to keep pace with the modern game, and whether he can get the best from his attackers. So far, the signs are very promising.

Nothing new under the sun. We played this way when Modric first arrived, more by luck than judgement, though.

Modric was played as LM in a 442, but wouldn’t stay there. Whenever we had possession he’d drift inside. BA-E would push up to fill that space, which he could do because of his recovery pace. Charlie, on the other hand, stayed deep and narrow, giving us almost a back three. Lennon still pushed on, so we often had a front 5.

It worked, too. At least while we had the ball. When we lost it, teams just waltzed through our midfield.

 

[SpartanSpur]

I didn't really agree with their interpretation of why Mourinho wanted to come to us.

My personal take, which Jose alludes to immediately when appointed, is that he thinks this squad is extremely good.

And he's right. Now, if he manages to win a League title in the next season or two he'll know it will be his greatest achievement in England yet.

I genuinely believe he backs himself to do it, and that special one status will elevate to another level.

Mourinho isn't here to attract another top Club, to win more trophies - which he has coming out of his ears.

We all know he can do that, so what?

Gary Neville hasn't been paying attention. The man is here to take us to the next level, his ego has challenged him to do it.

You can tell, by his changed approach and demeanour.

He looks massively motivated and is very considered in all his actions.

Look at even the way he celebrated the goals on Saturday.

This man wants to get us there, he knows he'll be lauded the special one forever.

And he knows the squad we have now aren't a million miles away.

I agree on that. I think he was very keen to take this job.

You can tell how highly he rates Kane and Dele already.

I'm just not totally sure Neville meant the job was below him, I took it as more that he might not have wanted to work for a chairman with Levy's reputation.

 

[Shadydan]

Nothing new under the sun. We played this way when Modric first arrived, more by luck than judgement, though.

Modric was played as LM in a 442, but wouldn’t stay there. Whenever we had possession he’d drift inside. BA-E would push up to fill that space, which he could do because of his recovery pace. Charlie, on the other hand, stayed deep and narrow, giving us almost a back three. Lennon still pushed on, so we often had a front 5.

It worked, too. At least while we had the ball. When we lost it, teams just waltzed through our midfield.

So basically you're saying that Jose told the players to fucking run abaat abit

 

[synththfc]

Great article, thanks for sharing @Timberwolf

 

[doctor stefan Freud]

I didn't really agree with their interpretation of why Mourinho wanted to come to us.

My personal take, which Jose alludes to immediately when appointed, is that he thinks this squad is extremely good.

And he's right. Now, if he manages to win a League title in the next season or two he'll know it will be his greatest achievement in England yet.

I genuinely believe he backs himself to do it, and that special one status will elevate to another level.

Mourinho isn't here to attract another top Club, to win more trophies - which he has coming out of his ears.

We all know he can do that, so what?

Gary Neville hasn't been paying attention. The man is here to take us to the next level, his ego has challenged him to do it.

You can tell, by his changed approach and demeanour. And he's clearly telling Kane et al the same.

He looks massively motivated and is very considered in all his actions.

Look at even the way he celebrated the goals on Saturday.

This man wants to get us there, he knows he'll be lauded the special one forever.

And he knows the squad we have now aren't a million miles away.

An excellent analysis of his motivations. Let’s face it, and I’m being serious here, if you can win a modern league title with Tottenham, you’re going to be canonised into the realms of sainthood

 

[Mr Pink]

I agree on that. I think he was very keen to take this job.

You can tell how highly he rates Kane and Dele already.

I'm just not totally sure Neville meant the job was below him, I took it as more that he might not have wanted to work for a chairman with Levy's reputation.

Neville meant he was here to restore us back as top four regulars (Levy's want) , and that would restore his rep and get him bigger job opportunities.

It's just bollox. Look at our stadium and training facilities, and now we have a real winner for a manager.

They just don't want to look at the flip side to all this, which could be massive success in our future.

They didn't even contemplate that thought for a second.

The arrogance/ignorance of it.

 

[SpartanSpur]

Neville meant he was here to restore us back as top four regulars (Levy's want) , and that would restore his rep and get him bigger job opportunities. He also turned down PSG according to reports.

It's just bollox. Look at our stadium and training facilities, and now we have a real winner for a manager.

They just don't want to look at the flip side to all this, which could be massive success in our future.

They didn't even contemplate that thought for a second.

The arrogance/ignorance of it.

Agree on that front. Have watched again and he did seem to suggest he wants to get back amongst the elite, and not in a way with us. As such I agree it's a bit ignorant and arrogant. Its widely reported that the Real Madrid job was there for him, he didn't need a 'bridge'.

It less a marriage of convenience and more just perfect timing IMO, for Levy, the players and Jose himself. Neither Levy nor the players wanted to just rip everything up and start again and Jose sees a great opportunity to boost his profile even further (doing what Pep hasn't) but in a situation where the tools available are much better than the perception of the club. Its a great opportunity for all parties.

 

[Mr Pink]

Agree on that front. Have watched again and he did seem to suggest he wants to get back amongst the elite, and not in a way with us. As such I agree it's a bit ignorant and arrogant. Its widely reported that the Real Madrid job was there for him, he didn't need a 'bridge'.

It less a marriage of convenience and more just perfect timing IMO, for Levy, the players and Jose himself. Neither Levy nor the players wanted to just rip everything up and start again and Jose sees a great opportunity to boost his profile even further (doing what Pep hasn't) but in a situation where the tools available are much better than the perception of the club. Its a great opportunity for all parties.

Exactly, but the fact that this wasn't even considered for a second just amazes me.

Then again it doesn't, it's par for the course really.

 

[sidford]

I personally think GN had a very valid point. Jose would once of been completely outside of our reach but in past few years our stock has risen and his has fallen so we fit each other well now. We want the gravitas & potential to win major competitions that comes with having an elite manager and Jose doesn't want the man Utd job to be his legacy in England so wants to prove he is still one of the world's best managers. Whether he chose us because he wants to prove he can stay at a club more than 3 years and see us as a great chance to do that or because he wants to use us as a stepping stone to get one of the main European jobs (one of 5/6 teams) then I don't care because he needs to be successful for either of those 2 things to happen which benefits us.

 

[danielneeds]

I personally think GN had a very valid point. Jose would once of been completely outside of our reach but in past few years our stock has risen and his has fallen so we fit each other well now. We want the gravitas & potential to win major competitions that comes with having an elite manager and Jose doesn't want the man Utd job to be his legacy in England so wants to prove he is still one of the world's best managers. Whether he chose us because he wants to prove he can stay at a club more than 3 years and see us as a great chance to do that or because he wants to use us as a stepping stone to get one of the main European jobs (one of 5/6 teams) then I don't care because he needs to be successful for either of those 2 things to happen which benefits us.

Yeah, Jose hasn’t needed a club as much as they need him for a long time. Maybe even as far back as Porto. But he does need us now, and that could see him be slightly less abrasive when managing upwards.

 

[NovTHFC]

Neville's talking out of his rectum, typical media criticism for Spurs, as per usual. Basing views on the Jose of old, who in my opinion has quite clearly evolved since the United job. The way he's conducted himself, coaching staff, formation/style of play etc.

Mourinho has in the past tried/wanted to sign; Kane, Alderweireld, Dier, Eriksen, Lucas. He now has these players at his disposal, and a very strong/competitive squad (much more so than United). He will get this team firing very quickly and with some top quality signings I think he can really ignite this team once again. If he can sort the contracts out of Eriksen/Alderweireld then the transition of Poch to Jose financially will look like very shrewd business.

He's in London, he has the best facilities (both stadium & training ground) in the world. He's had the biggest jobs, I'm not sure where this job could springboard him to? Chelsea is done and dusted, he turned down Real amongst many other top jobs in the past 11 months, and he very quickly decided on taking charge at Spurs.

Yes Jose and Levy may be different characters, but the best of businessmen don't necessarily need to get on as personalities. This may work even better than the Poch relationship as in my opinion, they were too pally. For example, Poch playing down the need for signings when we needed them to compete/kick on and refresh the squad.

I am so impressed at Mourinho's first week at the club. I can't wait to watch us again and really looking forward to tomorrow where we will see Mourinho in his natural habitat.

 

[CantSmileWithoutYou]

I agree on that. I think he was very keen to take this job.

You can tell how highly he rates Kane and Dele already.

I'm just not totally sure Neville meant the job was below him, I took it as more that he might not have wanted to work for a chairman with Levy's reputation.

Oh, don't be fooled. That's exactly what Neville meant...

 

[soup]

Sounds like a bitter prick but point taken.

Surely all managerial appointments are 'marriages of convenience' to an extent? Both parties get out of it what they need etc

Too right. It's a marriage of perfect convenience. Best club with the best stadium and best facilities just needed the best manager.

Rose shades and all that, but it looks like we're trying for it now. If Levy does back this up with some spending, it could be proper bo.

 

[rossdapep]

Neville's whole argument collapses when you recall Levy tried to sign Mourinho, not once but TWICE!

Not only that but Mourinho said his next job won't be to help a team sustain a position or become a top 6 side. His next position had to be suited to winning championships.

Neville should know that considering Jose said it in the Sky Studio.

It sounds like he's a little peeved because Mourinho's comment could be interpreted as a dig at United in which they didn't fully back him to win the title.

Anyway, Neville should be happy, he's been happy to put Poch in frame for the United job.

 

[Dirtysanchez6]

Neville is a bitter wee man and it’s clear he has had an agenda against spurs for a while now ! He was happy for us to be up challenging as he thought it was a flash in the pan and United could go and nick poch and our best players ! Now we have got rid of poch and got one of the worlds best managers he is panicking and trying to spin negativity into it!

 

[Shadydan]

I've listened to this so many times and realise that he's not really make any point whatsoever.

 

[Primativ]

Neville meant he was here to restore us back as top four regulars (Levy's want) , and that would restore his rep and get him bigger job opportunities.

It's just bollox. Look at our stadium and training facilities, and now we have a real winner for a manager.

They just don't want to look at the flip side to all this, which could be massive success in our future.

They didn't even contemplate that thought for a second.

The arrogance/ignorance of it.

Exactly and I winnered your previous post. I found it extremely arrogant and dismissive from Neville. Carragher was spot on, we've hired Mourinho to get us over the line, although he was wrong about it just being domestic cups. We were in the CL final last season, and Carragher thinks with Mourinho we couldn't get there again? Leiceser won the league a few years ago ffs! with Mourinho in charge and a few astute signings we can definitely challenge for the title.

Liverpool came from nowhere under Klopp to challenge. People like Carragher think the top 2 are a closed shop, its nonsense. Two years ago Liverpool were finishing behind us ffs.

Neville went on a weird rant, like Mourinho had gone to Spurs because he was desperate. Mourinho clearly coveted the Spurs job, and I'm not just saying that as a Spurs fan. London based, CL regulars, very talented squad, world class infrastructure, it's literally one of the most attractive clubs to manage in the world, and because we've been starved of true success for so long, the upside of managing Spurs is fucking massive, bigger than any club in world football. Mourinho isn't stupid, this is a hugely attractive job. Neville is still stuck in the 90s, excellent analyst but his opinions on other manager and clubs is constantly shit. For people like him they just can't process that Spurs are now an elite club.

 

[DogsOfWar]

Mourinho is here because he's desperate to become 'the special one' again.

He knows the infrastructure of the club can provide him with what he needs to succeed.
But he also knows everyone thinks we're punching above our weight.
As a result if he does succeed he'll be credited with performing a miracle.

It is very much a marriage of convenience but not because he's too good for us. But because he knows he can win major trophies with us and trade on the ignorance of pundits and fans to garner the plaudits.