Jose Mourinho

[fishhhandaricecake]

Mourinho got it really spot on today, very brave throwing tanganga into the deep and it worked a treat. Game plan was perfect and I fancy he found our best side in our second half.

Agree matey

 

[KikoSpurs]

Congrats, Mourinho! Done a really good job today. Unfortunately we didn't manage to convert our chances.

 

[feet01]

Mourinho got it really spot on today, very brave throwing tanganga into the deep and it worked a treat. Game plan was perfect and I fancy he found our best side in our second half.

Completely agree. Don’t pay any attention to the bias sky boys. Liverpool has chances in first half, we had equally as many, if not more, in the 2nd half.

Jose got the tactics right and a other day a couple of our chances would’ve gone in and it would be a great win

Actually excited to see this team next season with new players and a pre season.

 

[Wadec]

Really thought you could start to see the work he has done today. Didnt press constantly but waited for the right ti.es and forced errors, held shape and stayed compact and deep so Liverpool couldn't counter us, man marked Mane etc.

95% of us thought we would get dicked in that game and he kept us in it, limited Liverpool and we should have got at least a point.

Positive signs.

 

[sausage]

Would be funny if Tanganga got a game to suggest to Levy that he needed another CB, only for him to be the best player on the pitch.

Spoiler

 

[13VanDerBale13]

Another game ticks by where he knows he can’t do much more with the squad he has, he has to be backed but I suspect he won’t be

 

[Snarfalicious]

The faith in Tanganga is important for reasons far beyond possibly making our “To Buy” list that much shorter. I thought he was fantastic and credit to Mourinho for giving him a chance. Given how poor Vertonghen has been, his performance and athleticism was a huge boost.

 

[carpediem1906]

If we scored one, I'm quite sure we would have gone on to win the game.

That's how spot on tactically he had us playing today.

Restricted them so so well.

And then went for the kill.

Could have, should have, paid off!

 

[Mackan110]

Jose Mourinho believes that Andy Robertson was fortunate to escape a red card for his challenge on Japhet Tanganga:

“The VAR at that time, they were having a tea and they didn't watch Robertson for a red card.”

???

[@SkySportsPL]

#THFC #COYS #TOTLIV

https://t.co/Cn18zn4m4r

Got to love the man
He say what he believe and in this case it's the truth

 

[wrd]

I haven't read in here or the match thread so my opinion hasn't been warped by the general mood but personally I thought today was the first step in a long painful rebuild. I thought Jose playing Tanganga was a big step and I was overjoyed with his performance. I thought Jose nearly got the tactics spot on had it not been for some poor finishing. I'd have liked to have seen Eriksen and Rose removed sooner I thought they were both diabolical and I hope the fans did their bit to signal the end of Eriksen in the starting 11. Lamela and Lo Celso offered us so much more. I'm glad that Vert has seemingly been phased out and with Ben Davies that should signal the end of Rose also. Today wasn't perfect but it was the start and there's some major changes still to go.

I think we can take heart that Jose got more out of the team than expected given the quality of the players in the 11. I hope he goes further trusting youth and Tanganga shows him that it's worth dropping the old guard so the likes of Skipp get a chance. He'd have been braver on the ball than our CM pairing today although I felt sorry for Winks trying to play in a 2 man midfield with Eriksen who didn't want to know and then having to try and work with Dele who didn't have a good game again.

 

[spursfan77]

Mourinho delivered a masterclass in that second half - better finishing and we win that. Promising signs amidst a distraught feeling.

I have a feeling that’s one of the first time the players have followed his instructions all season. Maybe having a clear week (and not letting them go on holiday for half of it) worked?

 

[buttons]

Promising signs today, despite the defeat. Was a clear plan from the off and but for a switch off at the back and some poor finishing we would have got what we deserved. Imperative we follow it up v Boro and next weekend now, but promising signs for sure.

side note, hopefully Tanganga’s performance giveJose the belief to try the likes of Skipp and Parrott before too long.

 

[dagraham]

I have a feeling that’s one of the first time the players have followed his instructions all season. Maybe having a clear week (and not letting them go on holiday for half of it) worked?

I think part of it was because we were playing the best team and therefore everyone would be happy in sitting back and soaking up pressure.

I genuinely think part of the problem is that Jose is reluctant set up too defensively as he‘s mindful of how we were under Poch and the criticism he got at Utd.

 

[morris25]

I get the feeling as he is playing with a sitting LB, he's not looking for a DM but rather a double pivot, hence the signing of gedson fernandes.

 

[markiespurs]

Strange to say after a defeat, but i’m very optimistic again for next season after today’s performance.

Mourinho clearly had a game plan today and bar some poor finishing it very nearly paid off. A decent summer transfer window, coupled with quality time on the training ground in pre season, where Mourinho can get his ideas and philosophy across, then next season could be really promising and it could well be a case of one step backwards (this season) but two steps forward next season.

Also, massive credit to Mourinho today, it takes a lot of balls to give a debut to a youngster like Tanganga, against the runaway league leaders, especially when you have more experienced CBs like Dier and Vertonghen on the bench.

 

[wrd]

I get the feeling as he is playing with a sitting LB, he's not looking for a DM but rather a double pivot, hence the signing of gedson fernandes.

I'd love to see something like this:

Out of possession:

Gazza
Tanganga Alder Sanchez Sess
Moura Lo Celso Ndombele Gedson Son
Dele

In Possession:
Gazza
Tanganga Alder Sanchez
Ndombele Gedson

Lo Celso
Moura Dele Son Sess

I'm probably expecting too much from Tanganga though. I'm just not a big fan of Aurier even though I championed him getting an opportunity earlier in the season. Seems we have no other options on right side and Jose trusted Tanganga as an inside RB/LB during the game today.

 

[SpartanSpur]

I haven't read in here or the match thread so my opinion hasn't been warped by the general mood but personally I thought today was the first step in a long painful rebuild. I thought Jose playing Tanganga was a big step and I was overjoyed with his performance. I thought Jose nearly got the tactics spot on had it not been for some poor finishing. I'd have liked to have seen Eriksen and Rose removed sooner I thought they were both diabolical and I hope the fans did their bit to signal the end of Eriksen in the starting 11. Lamela and Lo Celso offered us so much more. I'm glad that Vert has seemingly been phased out and with Ben Davies that should signal the end of Rose also. Today wasn't perfect but it was the start and there's some major changes still to go.

I think we can take heart that Jose got more out of the team than expected given the quality of the players in the 11. I hope he goes further trusting youth and Tanganga shows him that it's worth dropping the old guard so the likes of Skipp get a chance. He'd have been braver on the ball than our CM pairing today although I felt sorry for Winks trying to play in a 2 man midfield with Eriksen who didn't want to know and then having to try and work with Dele who didn't have a good game again.

Totally agree. Feeling positive after today. Feels like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and there's actually quite a few tools for him still to work with, as long as he learns to stop using the ones he wanted to rely upon but actually can't (eriksen, rose and sadly Jan).

Tanganga looked great. Didn't realise how mobile and confident on the ball he is. I remember being impressed in preseason but neither of those stuck out to me then as much as today. He looks ready to me. Could save us a fair amount here.

We finished that game today with 11 committed players and it showed (inc a pretty knackered Dele). Can't say that has happened much this season. I don't think even us fans realised the extent of how much the likes of Rose, Eriksen and Jan had become a detriment to the side, even when criticising. Hopefully fans and Jose are on side now.

It's also good to see Jose finally show some of that tactical nous he's famous for. Very unlucky not to get a result today, when no one gave us a chance. He 100% needs time, and support from Levy. This season has to be seen as a run up to next, when he can truly be judged.

Top 4 is a very long shot so it's time to give plenty of opportunities to the likes of Tanganga, Sanchez and Lo Celso. Get them properly integrated. They have a lot of scope for improvement so get that experience (and inevitable mistakes) out of the way now. Much better doing that by having players on their way down making similar mistakes.

Davies and Lloris back soon should really help us. Davies is a key to our new plan A formation. We've been carrying a player there every week under Jose (Jan, Rose, Sess to a lesser extent), and that's hard to contest with at this level. Lloris quotes suggest he's on the Jose train too, and we have missed his superior shotstopping.

Xmas period exacerbated our underlying fitness issues IMO, it was brutal but is worth bearing in mind it really had Jose up against it. Especially with suspensions and injuries limiting his options. I don't think it was fully representative. We saw the fruits of training ground time today with the committed players on the pitch.

We still have a lot of quality to play with, especially if Ndombele gets fit. Incomings DM, RB and Striker cover and the rebuild is truly on. Can Levy deliver?

 

[McFlash]

Strange to say after a defeat, but i’m very optimistic again for next season after today’s performance.

Mourinho clearly had a game plan today and bar some poor finishing it very nearly paid off. A decent summer transfer window, coupled with quality time on the training ground in pre season, where Mourinho can get his ideas and philosophy across, then next season could be really promising and it could well be a case of one step backwards (this season) but two steps forward next season.

Also, massive credit to Mourinho today, it takes a lot of balls to give a debut to a youngster like Tanganga, against the runaway league leaders, especially when you have more experienced CBs like Dier and Vertonghen on the bench.

Agree.
Mourinho has shown the tactical nous and with time, and a couple of signings, things could well be looking good for next season.
My main complaint with Poch was his tactical naivety, whereas Jose is pretty much the polar opposite.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

I haven't read in here or the match thread so my opinion hasn't been warped by the general mood but personally I thought today was the first step in a long painful rebuild. I thought Jose playing Tanganga was a big step and I was overjoyed with his performance. I thought Jose nearly got the tactics spot on had it not been for some poor finishing. I'd have liked to have seen Eriksen and Rose removed sooner I thought they were both diabolical and I hope the fans did their bit to signal the end of Eriksen in the starting 11. Lamela and Lo Celso offered us so much more. I'm glad that Vert has seemingly been phased out and with Ben Davies that should signal the end of Rose also. Today wasn't perfect but it was the start and there's some major changes still to go.

I think we can take heart that Jose got more out of the team than expected given the quality of the players in the 11. I hope he goes further trusting youth and Tanganga shows him that it's worth dropping the old guard so the likes of Skipp get a chance. He'd have been braver on the ball than our CM pairing today although I felt sorry for Winks trying to play in a 2 man midfield with Eriksen who didn't want to know and then having to try and work with Dele who didn't have a good game again.

Great post mate I feel very similar. Some real positives of a rebuild for sure, hopefully GF on loan could also be another small part of the rebuild. As Jose keeps saying we need time, he needs time to coach them and he needs time (transfer windows) to rebuild our squad.

tactically we were spot on and if we’d taken our chances we could’ve won that game and that was without 5 first choice players!!!! I’d argue that was the closest a team has come to stopping Liverpool in the league this season.

I’m starting to see that Jose wants his plan A to be the 4-2-3-1 which he played against West Ham and we looked really good and then in big games where we are inferior the plan B is the 4-4-2/5-3-2 low block wait and pounce approach.

his ideal first XI seems to be something like:
Lloris (Gazzagniga)

Aurier (or / + new RB signing)
Toby / new CB
Sanchez / (Tanganga)
Davies / Sess or new LB / Rose

New DM / Dier?/Sissoko
G.Fernandes(new CM signing)Ndombele / Winks

Lamela/Lucas/GLC
Dele/GLC
Son/Sess/new AM signing

Kane/ new ST signing

so looks like 5-6 signings away from a very strong squad he’d be pretty happy with so that’s mabye 2-3 windows, very doable but we need to be patient. I think Jose has been slowly working out who is good enough for how he wants to play and not and I think there are signs especially today that there is still a world class coach in there, we were inferior in pretty much every position today individually so that was an almost impossible task to get anything against Liverpool but he showed enough tactically that I think if we get Jose the players he wants he could have a good chance at winning a cup for us.

I also don’t think Jose will play this ‘park the bus’ defensive style all the time so I wouldn’t worry to much about that but if he wants to do that again in future against the top top teams and we have a few new signings and all our best players back and fit then I think we’d stand a good chance against anyone on our day.

Way more positive after today’s showing now we just need old Baldy to properly back a world class manager.

 

[SpartanSpur]

Great post mate I feel very similar. Some real positives of a rebuild for sure, hopefully GF on loan could also be another small part of the rebuild. As Jose keeps saying we need time, he needs time to coach them and he needs time (transfer windows) to rebuild our squad.

tactically we were spot on and if we’d taken our chances we could’ve won that game and that was without 5 first choice players!!!! I’d argue that was the closest a team has come to stopping Liverpool in the league this season.

I’m starting to see that Jose wants his plan A to be the 4-2-3-1 which he played against West Ham and we looked really good and then in big games where we are inferior the plan B is the 4-4-2/5-3-2 low block wait and pounce approach.

his ideal first XI seems to be something like:
Lloris (Gazzagniga)

Aurier (or / + new RB signing)
Toby / new CB
Sanchez / (Tanganga)
Davies / Sess or new LB / Rose

New DM / Dier?/Sissoko
G.Fernandes(new CM signing)Ndombele / Winks

Lamela/Lucas/GLC
Dele/GLC
Son/Sess/new AM signing

Kane/ new ST signing

so looks like 5-6 signings away from a very strong squad he’d be pretty happy with so that’s mabye 2-3 windows, very doable but we need to be patient. I think Jose has been slowly working out who is good enough for how he wants to play and not and I think there are signs especially today that there is still a world class coach in there, we were inferior in pretty much every position today individually so that was an almost impossible task to get anything against Liverpool but he showed enough tactically that I think if we get Jose the players he wants he could have a good chance at winning a cup for us.

I also don’t think Jose will play this ‘park the bus’ defensive style all the time so I wouldn’t worry to much about that but if he wants to do that again in future against the top top teams and we have a few new signings and all our best players back and fit then I think we’d stand a good chance against anyone on our day.

Way more positive after today’s showing now we just need old Baldy to properly back a world class manager.

One of my biggest gripes under Poch was his naivety (bordering on arrogance), in a lot of top 6 encounters, especially away from home. He wouldn't show enough respect to the opponent and it often led to us playing into their hands, and quite often getting thumped. Of course sometimes it paid off handsomely but we had our fair share of heavy defeats in his time.

Today Jose did his best to cover our weaknesses whilst trying to nullify their strengths. On the whole it worked. Sanchez and Tanganga did a good job on the front 3 with Toby backing them up. Aurier and Rose/Son led to their full backs having a very quiet game by their standards.

Son, Moura and Dele did enough running on the counter to worry them and commit fouls.

We hung in there, gave as little away as possible and then should have nicked at least a point with a strong finish. He didn't panic and go gung ho with attacking subs, but did make bold subs late on. That's more like it. That's the difference I was hoping to see Jose bring.

Like you said he seems to be trying to implement a modern plan A 'philosophy' with Sacramento for the lesser games, as an answer to the criticism of him being too reactive of late. Hopefully once he has 11 committed players he can trust this will click. It certainly gave us a lot of goals early on.

However today's gameplan, despite the loss, reminded me of what I always felt Poch lacked when trying to get over the line to win that elusive trophy (with our limited resources).