When Jose Mourinho signed for Manchester United last summer, it was seen as a chance at restoring his battered pride and reputation. His dealings in the transfer market involved he making some shrewd and astute signings not forgetting expensive. United's early season form implied the transformation from Van Gaal's brand of hypnotic football to a more direct and clinical team. Or so we thought.
With a stop start season with their best run so far coming in August where they picked all points available in the league. A topsy-turvy season with twelve games in the league has yielded 19 points, their worst return since the 2004/05 season after the draw with Arsenal. His form in Europe has not been as encouraging as he has lost all his games away from home. His only 100% record has come in the English Football League Cup.
A closer look at performances indicate Mourinho is having tactical difficulties merging his old and new players into a characteristic Mourinho unit. Reports from Carrington indicate a 'cold and distant' approach to training which have yielded some embarrassing results this season. The form of some key men at the Theater Of Dreams have been extremely poor and appalling causing the team to depend on the individuals to get results.
All these and more are not the usual Mourinho approach to the game. He has the job of his dreams but he appears to be in some nightmare of some sort. The usual swagger and arrogance associated with Jose and his teams has disappeared with apparent glimpses every once in a while. The United top dogs must see Mourinho as the protagonist of the dark arts and give him the support he needs to jump start United's season. There has been financial support but that has been it. A little more of executive support in the Mourinho ways will set him free off his shackles of being the gentleman-ly character United want at the helm of affairs.
The players must become display some tactical flexibility as the new manager seeks to find a system that will make United great again. With a squad such as his, there should be no shortage of quality and this should allow Mourinho to experiment and try out varied systems. The onus lies on the manager to create a winning team but the team has to have the drive to be winners, something that retired along with Sir Alex Ferguson. It is up to the players to give the manager a selection headache; something Mourinho has not had since he took the helm at Old Trafford. Rooney and co. must get out their prolonged slumps and give Old Trafford the fear factor, Mourinho special again and United great once more.
From a manegerial perspective, some quarters of the footballing world have labelled Mourinho a tactical dinosaur and his refusal to move away from his favored 4-2-3-1 and 4-5-1 formations give credence to this opinion. Times have changed and these systems may have been effective for him in the past but a bit of innovation and tweaking every once in a while is one of the ingredients to make him a tough nut to crack again. Antonio Conte's tweaks this season have created one of the league's top teams in the early parts of the season. Switching from 4-1-4-1 to 4-2-4 then to 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 and finally 3-4-3 have given Chelsea a more varied approach to play and keep opponents guessing. Klopp's Liverpool have started 12 games with 4 different systems and so has Pep Guardiola at City. The importance of tactical variation and tweaks cannot be stressed enough and Mou must adopt these to get himself and United back to the top of English football.
With about 12 games in the league and 16 overall Mourinho has time to become The 'Special One' again and United have time to be great again but they have to be quick for time and tide, wait for no man.
Sunday, 20 November 2016
Thursday, 21 July 2016
TRANSFER ANALYSIS: LIVERPOOL
Anfield last season was quite a frustrating place to be last season according to most Reds. Hovering around the top half and mid table area. Failing to close out games and at times psychological frailties from players were a constant feature. The arrival of Jürgen Klopp improved The Reds as seen in their run to the League Cup and Europa League finals though they lost both games. Klopp's colourful press conferences have also helped alleviate the apparent doom that that was characteristic of the Rodgers era (barring their near miss in 2013/2014). Liverpool started the summer on a good note by extending the contract of The Normal One by another six seasons and without the distraction of European competition, Klopp has the chance to take Liverpool back up. Only if the right moves are made this summer.
ARRIVALS
JOEL MATIP
The Cameroonian defender finally joined the Reds on a free after agreeing to terms with The Reds and may have made a seamless transition into the side and English football in general with some assured performances in pre-season. As impressive as he has been, judging a player based on pre-season is a dicey affair as most sides may not be at full strength or in Liverpool's case, of a lower standard (no disrespect to Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Wigan Athletic). His arrival will bring some youthfulness to an ageing and depleted Reds' backline. He also poses a threat in the air and helps add another dimension to Liverpool's style of play. He has age on his side and has the abilities to succeed in a potentially new-look Liverpool side. A very good signing for the Reds on the surface but it's only pre-season.
SADIO MANE
Liverpool was at the beginning of the summer, at their poaching best as they raided their favourite hunting grounds in recent times and came out with Sadio Mane. The Senegal wide man arrived at Anfield with an essive record forged across two seasons at St. Mary's. After getting his man, Klopp revealed he had had his eye on Mane since 2012 and nearly signed him for Dortmund. Mane with his speed and directness as well as versatility will fit into Klopp's high pressing style of play. Also, his willingness to drop deep will make him a fan favourite with most Kopites. Mane in spite of all his talent and abilities has shown to inconsistent at most times as seen in his four-month scoreless run last season although he is known to score in bursts. This may be worrying for Klopp but he is known to get the best out of players. With hefty transfer fee, pressure will be on him to perform but based on pre-season performances he looks to have dispelled such fears. Fans and rivals alike will be on hand to assess him as the season progresses. Over to you, Man-e.
LORIS KARIUS
The 23 year was signed to provide some competition for Simon Mignolet and provide adequate backup. His confidence belies his age may look to replace the seemingly inconsistent Belgian if he puts in assured performances like he did for Mainz last season. He still has a lot to learn as his handling is at times suspect but he has age on his side so expect him to improve with time.
RAGNAR KLAVAN
The 30-year old Estonian is Liverpool's fifth signing in the offseason from Augsburg. He has cultivated a reputation as a hardman across his career with his tough tackling and aerial ability. He has a decent pass on him. His versatility although limited to one position is seen in his ability to play at left back. His arrival will be music to Klopp's ears as he has seen his defensive options diminish in recent weeks with departures and long term injuries. For a player with his experience and ability, his fee can be considered somewhat of a coup. The next Agger or Skrtel?
MARKO GRUJIC
A world champion at the U20 level, Grujic was a wanted man but Jurgen Klopp beat a number of sides to sign the highly rated youngster from Red Star Belgrade. Grujic has a bright future as he is able to play across the midfield. This versatility is one of the reasons Klopp made his move quickly before most clubs could get to him. He has shown glimpses of his ability in pre-season. He is a developing youngster and with Emre Can as a double pivot, the quality of the Liverpool midfield looks bright and in good hands. First team opportunities may be at a premium but the League Cup and FA Cup will give him a chance to prove his worth in Reds colours.
DEPARTURES
JORDAN IBE
After the acrimonious exit of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe was touted as the man to replace Sterling. With impressive cameos in his early Liverpool days under Brendan Rogers, Klopp's arrival was supposed to speed up his development but he stagnated. The move to Bournemouth gives him a chance to improve his fortunes in a low pressure environment. The ball is in your court Jordan.
MARTIN SKRTEL
The Slovenian hardman completed his move to Turkey to end his eight and a half year association with the Reds after he was deemed surplus to requirements for next season. At just 31, the defender still has a few good years in him. A good move for all parties.
KOLO TOURE
The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender left the Kop upon the expiry of his contract and is an experienced head for teams looking for defenders on the cheap. His pace may have deserted him but his experience in the Premier League is unrivalled. A few good years left in him. Expect a short-term deal.
Fringe players like Joao Texeira and Samed Yesil have left the club in order to revive their careers after successive loans too. A significant reduction in squad size and wage bill as well.
POTENTIAL ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
With about 82 million Euros spent so far on the market, Jürgen Klopp has indicated, he is not done with a few signings yet to come. The Red's interest in Georginio Wijnaldum is a poorly hidden secret and they look like the only suitors for the midfielder but the Reds are baulking at the asking price of 30 million Euros though rumours indicate they are negotiating a player plus cash deal.
Goalkeepers Bogdan and Ward have left the club on loan to get first-team opportunities. Rumours from England indicate Lucas Leiva and cash will tempt Newcastle to part ways with Wijnaldum.
Joe Allen is also a target for Swansea and a number of Premier League side but based on his performances in France, Liverpool will be looking to keep him.
Reports emanating from Spain indicate Atletico Madrid will turn their efforts to Divock Origi if they fail in their pursuit of Diego Costa but Klopp has made it clear the 21-year-old is not available.
The return of Danny Ings from injury is like a new signing for Klopp. The young Englishman showed glimpses his talent before injury struck and his return is vital to the Red's chances this season.
Luis Alberto, Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli have returned but the latter two have been told by Klopp to find new clubs as they are not part of his plans.
ARRIVALS
JOEL MATIP
The Cameroonian defender finally joined the Reds on a free after agreeing to terms with The Reds and may have made a seamless transition into the side and English football in general with some assured performances in pre-season. As impressive as he has been, judging a player based on pre-season is a dicey affair as most sides may not be at full strength or in Liverpool's case, of a lower standard (no disrespect to Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Wigan Athletic). His arrival will bring some youthfulness to an ageing and depleted Reds' backline. He also poses a threat in the air and helps add another dimension to Liverpool's style of play. He has age on his side and has the abilities to succeed in a potentially new-look Liverpool side. A very good signing for the Reds on the surface but it's only pre-season.
SADIO MANE
Liverpool was at the beginning of the summer, at their poaching best as they raided their favourite hunting grounds in recent times and came out with Sadio Mane. The Senegal wide man arrived at Anfield with an essive record forged across two seasons at St. Mary's. After getting his man, Klopp revealed he had had his eye on Mane since 2012 and nearly signed him for Dortmund. Mane with his speed and directness as well as versatility will fit into Klopp's high pressing style of play. Also, his willingness to drop deep will make him a fan favourite with most Kopites. Mane in spite of all his talent and abilities has shown to inconsistent at most times as seen in his four-month scoreless run last season although he is known to score in bursts. This may be worrying for Klopp but he is known to get the best out of players. With hefty transfer fee, pressure will be on him to perform but based on pre-season performances he looks to have dispelled such fears. Fans and rivals alike will be on hand to assess him as the season progresses. Over to you, Man-e.
LORIS KARIUS
The 23 year was signed to provide some competition for Simon Mignolet and provide adequate backup. His confidence belies his age may look to replace the seemingly inconsistent Belgian if he puts in assured performances like he did for Mainz last season. He still has a lot to learn as his handling is at times suspect but he has age on his side so expect him to improve with time.
RAGNAR KLAVAN
The 30-year old Estonian is Liverpool's fifth signing in the offseason from Augsburg. He has cultivated a reputation as a hardman across his career with his tough tackling and aerial ability. He has a decent pass on him. His versatility although limited to one position is seen in his ability to play at left back. His arrival will be music to Klopp's ears as he has seen his defensive options diminish in recent weeks with departures and long term injuries. For a player with his experience and ability, his fee can be considered somewhat of a coup. The next Agger or Skrtel?
MARKO GRUJIC
A world champion at the U20 level, Grujic was a wanted man but Jurgen Klopp beat a number of sides to sign the highly rated youngster from Red Star Belgrade. Grujic has a bright future as he is able to play across the midfield. This versatility is one of the reasons Klopp made his move quickly before most clubs could get to him. He has shown glimpses of his ability in pre-season. He is a developing youngster and with Emre Can as a double pivot, the quality of the Liverpool midfield looks bright and in good hands. First team opportunities may be at a premium but the League Cup and FA Cup will give him a chance to prove his worth in Reds colours.
DEPARTURES
JORDAN IBE
After the acrimonious exit of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe was touted as the man to replace Sterling. With impressive cameos in his early Liverpool days under Brendan Rogers, Klopp's arrival was supposed to speed up his development but he stagnated. The move to Bournemouth gives him a chance to improve his fortunes in a low pressure environment. The ball is in your court Jordan.
MARTIN SKRTEL
The Slovenian hardman completed his move to Turkey to end his eight and a half year association with the Reds after he was deemed surplus to requirements for next season. At just 31, the defender still has a few good years in him. A good move for all parties.
KOLO TOURE
The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender left the Kop upon the expiry of his contract and is an experienced head for teams looking for defenders on the cheap. His pace may have deserted him but his experience in the Premier League is unrivalled. A few good years left in him. Expect a short-term deal.
Fringe players like Joao Texeira and Samed Yesil have left the club in order to revive their careers after successive loans too. A significant reduction in squad size and wage bill as well.
POTENTIAL ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
With about 82 million Euros spent so far on the market, Jürgen Klopp has indicated, he is not done with a few signings yet to come. The Red's interest in Georginio Wijnaldum is a poorly hidden secret and they look like the only suitors for the midfielder but the Reds are baulking at the asking price of 30 million Euros though rumours indicate they are negotiating a player plus cash deal.
Goalkeepers Bogdan and Ward have left the club on loan to get first-team opportunities. Rumours from England indicate Lucas Leiva and cash will tempt Newcastle to part ways with Wijnaldum.
Joe Allen is also a target for Swansea and a number of Premier League side but based on his performances in France, Liverpool will be looking to keep him.
Reports emanating from Spain indicate Atletico Madrid will turn their efforts to Divock Origi if they fail in their pursuit of Diego Costa but Klopp has made it clear the 21-year-old is not available.
The return of Danny Ings from injury is like a new signing for Klopp. The young Englishman showed glimpses his talent before injury struck and his return is vital to the Red's chances this season.
Luis Alberto, Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli have returned but the latter two have been told by Klopp to find new clubs as they are not part of his plans.
VERDICT
Liverpool has been quite active this summer with Klopp's signings indicating the club are looking to build for now and the future as he fuses youth with experience While addressing problem areas in the team. Also, he seems to be signing players who fit into his system rather than alter his system to suit them. The versatility and flexibility of this new look Liverpool will not make them title favorites but a return to Europe is not far from them. A few more signings needed to complete the Anfield puzzle.
Maybe This year will be their year after all!
Monday, 18 July 2016
TRANSFER ANALYSIS: CHELSEA
The shrill blast of the final whistle at Stamford Bridge could not have come at a better time for Chelsea players and fans alike. An end to what has been a nightmare of a season with conflicts from various sectors of the club. The transfer season will allow Roman Abramovich to restore his beloved Chelsea back among the top dogs in the league and so has already started his business early.
ARRIVALS
ANTONIO CONTE
Stamford Bridge has been a busy place this summer with Antonio Conte being their major signing. A man tasked to lead the Chelsea troops to battle and restore them to their former greatness. He was instrumental in leading a relatively weak Italy side to the quarter-finals of the last European Championships beating highly-fancied Belgium, knocking out holders and favourites Spain as well as pushing World Champions Germany to the limit before losing on penalties. He is also a three-time Serie A winner so his pedigree is unquestionable. He brings a hardworking ethic and some fire to the Chelsea side (spark to inferno?!). He is known for his 3-5-2 setup but is known switch to a 4-4-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 setups to suit the opponents and the conditions in an ongoing game. Such tactical flexibility is what Chelsea will need to break down opponents and hit opponents on the break. His passion will also come to the fore in the heated clashes and get the Stamford Bridge fans behind the team during tough times.
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Nicknamed the next Drogba, Batshuayi has really big shoes to fill. His 22-goal haul for Marseille in all competitions last season was a shining light in the darkness and uncertainty that surrounded the Stade Velodrome. His willingness to move around for the ball will be a good foil for Diego Costa if he stays at the Bridge for the coming season. He also has the ability to be a good target man and hold the ball up for his teammates. His success or failure in London will depend on how well he fits into Conte's tactical setup. His price tag will put a bit of pressure on him but all in all a decent signing for the Blues.
N'GOLO KANTE
"70% of the Earth is covered by water. The other 30% is covered by Kante". Undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League last season, Chelsea seems to have finally found an heir to Claude Makelele. A tireless runner and great reader of the game not forgetting is decent tackling ability, Kante will prove to be a good foil for Fabregas . Also, his ability to intercept and break down opponents' attacks will help Chelsea when they are on the backfoot. The 25-year-old Frenchman is the personification of hard work and he teaming up with Conte is a match made in heaven.
The return of several loanees will bloat the squad but also allow Conte assess players like Cuadrado, Marin, and Chalobah among many others.
DEPARTURES
MOHAMMED SALAH
After his transfer, Momo Salah has failed to impress in London which led to successive loans at Fiorentina and Roma with the capital side taking up the option to permanently sign him. Very few will miss him as Chelsea have more than enough options for the right wing position in the form of Willian, Pedro and the returning Victor Moses. Juan Cuadrado with his versatility can seamlessly fit into that position leaving the Egyptian with no option than to leave the Bridge for 15 million Euros.
After failing to impress the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge Croatian under 19 forward Stipe Perica has joined Serie A side Udinese for 4 million Euros a move that suits both parties and reduces the names on the payroll.
The departures of flops Alexandre Pato and Falcao will reduce a seemingly bloated squad and wage bill. Nathan Aké, Tomás Kalas, and Jeremie Boga have so far left the club on loan to Bournemouth, Fulham, and Granada to get some game time and aid their development. Marco Amelia is out of contract and out of the Bridge but has expressed interest in working with Conte so we may still see him but as things stand he's a free agent.
VERDICT
The Blues have been cautious on the market this time round as they seek to make the necessary signings to correct the problematic areas in the squad. Using one preseason game to judge the squad will be unwise as most first team players are still on a holiday. A good center back is needed to solve their defensive woes to complete a good transfer period. With the right signings, Conte with time will make Chelsea champions again.
Up to You Roman.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
The Final Lap: English Premier League Version
'The only thing that is constant is change.'- Heraclitus
This is and has been a contentious quote due to the relatively ambiguous nature. Contentious for everyone but the underdogs in England! At the beginning of the current season, the favorites for the trophy were the regulars and the recently made regulars; The Gunners felt this was their year, The Blues were ready to mount a successful title defense, United, a title charge under the 'Dutch Master' and City's attempt to return to the top. The relegation battle seemed fixed with the new entrants being touted for an immediate return while the regular underachievers were expected to scrap for the other European spots as well as against relegation.
Fast forward some 34 weeks and its a whole different story. Different at the top and everywhere else on the table. The magic and beauty of football on these months has confused and amazed all fans alike and the end is almost at hand. Not the Armageddon, but this amazing display of determination, inspiration the comical and at times unamusing antics of some individuals has made this one of the memorable seasons till date.
With less than two months to go, its far from complete with only one certainty; the relegation of Aston Villa for the first time in their history. The title is close to being decided. The battle for European places are is still ongoing and the last two relegation spots still up for grabs. Leicester's inspirational and magical run for the trophy is still intact but they face potential banana skins in the form of opponents fighting against relegation (Swansea (H)) and Manchester United (away) who still have slim chances of making it into the Champions League via the play off round. Tottenham's refusal to give up on winning the title may face setbacks with relatively tough games against Stoke, West Brom, Chelsea, Southampton and Newcastle. Games against teams fighting for European places and another fighting against relegation. A significantly difficult run in for the challengers but certainly possible if Leicester slip up.
Manchester City on the other hand have more games than their title rivals and an outside chance of winning the league with their Champions League duties, it will be safe to say that they will switch focus towards that. Games will be relatively easier for the opposition. Arsenal on the other hand or on hand to receive the Flops Of The Season as they moved from title challengers to their traditional fourth place position (One Of the few constants left in the world) and this being their only chance to win the league might lead to Wenger being given the boot out of the Emirates. With tough games against fellow top four strugglers and those against the relegation battlers should have them looking over their shoulders as United edge ever closer.
Moving to the bottom of the league, there are two relegation slots but three contenders. Newcastle are the closest to Aston Villa but three points from safety with a game in hand over Norwich. Games against City, Liverpool and Tottenham are not where you would expect them to get their points from but Crystal Palace and West Brom should give the Magpies some hope of lining up next season in the Premiership. Sunderland's topsy-turvy season at the base of the table shows no signs of abating as they face the toughest run in during the relegation dogfight albeit with a game in hand. They have to face Arsenal (H), Stoke (A), Chelsea and Everton (both H) and Watford (A). Norwich may be out of the relegation zone but still stand a risk of being relegated with a tricky four game against Arsenal(A), United(H), Watford (H) and Everton (A). With Villa already relegated, games against them are a must win for all sides that play them to boost their chances of survival.
The race may be far from over and the next three to six weeks should provide us with some of the most dramatic and exciting match-ups in recent times and the impending drama and excitement will serve all football fans and lovers a notice on why the Premiership is the most competitive and exciting league in the world.
Tuesday, 5 January 2016
REINVENTING MOURINHO: WHAT JOSE MUST WORK ON BEFORE HIS NEXT JOB.
It is almost a week into the new year and Jose Mourinho is still jobless. Jose Mourinho as proud as ever made an assertion after he was relieved off his duties before Christmas last year, that he was angling towards a return to the managerial hot seat more preferably that of Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford. This was the plan but the seeming reluctance from the camp of United and the reported refusal to take the Real Madrid job midway through the season has left The self proclaimed Special One in a bit of limbo and jobless for the foreseeable future.
The apparent lack of big jobs is a sign from above to Jose to sit back and reinvent himself as a coach and a person overall. The old adage goes, 'you cannot teach an old dog new tricks' but Mourinho is not so much of an old dog at the age of 52. During his enforced break, it would be beneficial for him to work on a few aspects of himself.
1. ATTITUDE
The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Madrid manager has had some issues in relation to his attitude. This has set him back with some of the biggest clubs in the world as seen with his eye gouging poke of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova during his stint in Spain. Also, his constant attacks albeit verbally on rivals does him a lot of harm than good. This not only makes him look bad but also does his clubs no good in the media. His mentality is more often than not transferred to his players which makes his teams appear violent with reference being made to Pepe at Madrid and Diego Costa at Chelsea. His media antics though entertaining, sometimes crosses the line. He is often seen to be criticizing the footballing associations where he has coached. It is for such reason he has often been overlooked for jobs such as that of Bayern Munich and most recently, Manchester United.
He is an entertaining character no doubt but should refine his attitude to make him endearing to fans, players and bosses alike. Maintaining a healthy rivalry with managers as well as letting his players know when they cross the line on the pitch. A bad attitude is like a flat tire. Failure to change it will get you nowhere. But just as flat tires can be changed, an attitude can be changed for the better.
2. TACTICS
A football manager is as good as his tactics. Also, an adaptable coach is one who can switch tactics to suit the opposition at hand. This is something Mourinho seems to be lacking. A fixation on 4-2-3-1 formation has led to his downfall. When he lacks the kind of players suited to this style, his teams are outplayed and out thought on the pitch. Before his return to the dugout, Mourinho must not only reinvent himself from an attitudinal perspective but also, a tactical point of view. Also his defensive mentality should be switched to a more balanced style to his teams to satisfy the attacking and defensive needs of his teams. All in all a general adaptability should be infused into his tactical approach just as Guardiola to make his teams multidimensional
A few other things to work on is his long term abilities as a manager. He should formulate long term goals for himself as a coach for his teams. He should use maintain an eye on the youth teams and be a fatherly figure rather than an authority figure with the younger ones.
Also learning to hold his tongue should prove to be a good weapon for him.
The Special One may be down but it would be a mistake to count him out. During his time out work on rebranding himself should be paramount to ensure success in the short term as well as long term.
Watch Out World! A New and Improved Jose is coming.
The apparent lack of big jobs is a sign from above to Jose to sit back and reinvent himself as a coach and a person overall. The old adage goes, 'you cannot teach an old dog new tricks' but Mourinho is not so much of an old dog at the age of 52. During his enforced break, it would be beneficial for him to work on a few aspects of himself.
1. ATTITUDE
The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Madrid manager has had some issues in relation to his attitude. This has set him back with some of the biggest clubs in the world as seen with his eye gouging poke of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova during his stint in Spain. Also, his constant attacks albeit verbally on rivals does him a lot of harm than good. This not only makes him look bad but also does his clubs no good in the media. His mentality is more often than not transferred to his players which makes his teams appear violent with reference being made to Pepe at Madrid and Diego Costa at Chelsea. His media antics though entertaining, sometimes crosses the line. He is often seen to be criticizing the footballing associations where he has coached. It is for such reason he has often been overlooked for jobs such as that of Bayern Munich and most recently, Manchester United.
He is an entertaining character no doubt but should refine his attitude to make him endearing to fans, players and bosses alike. Maintaining a healthy rivalry with managers as well as letting his players know when they cross the line on the pitch. A bad attitude is like a flat tire. Failure to change it will get you nowhere. But just as flat tires can be changed, an attitude can be changed for the better.
2. TACTICS
A football manager is as good as his tactics. Also, an adaptable coach is one who can switch tactics to suit the opposition at hand. This is something Mourinho seems to be lacking. A fixation on 4-2-3-1 formation has led to his downfall. When he lacks the kind of players suited to this style, his teams are outplayed and out thought on the pitch. Before his return to the dugout, Mourinho must not only reinvent himself from an attitudinal perspective but also, a tactical point of view. Also his defensive mentality should be switched to a more balanced style to his teams to satisfy the attacking and defensive needs of his teams. All in all a general adaptability should be infused into his tactical approach just as Guardiola to make his teams multidimensional
A few other things to work on is his long term abilities as a manager. He should formulate long term goals for himself as a coach for his teams. He should use maintain an eye on the youth teams and be a fatherly figure rather than an authority figure with the younger ones.
Also learning to hold his tongue should prove to be a good weapon for him.
The Special One may be down but it would be a mistake to count him out. During his time out work on rebranding himself should be paramount to ensure success in the short term as well as long term.
Watch Out World! A New and Improved Jose is coming.
Monday, 4 January 2016
PEREZ Y BENITEZ : Los cánceres REALES
Watching Real Madrid over this season produce often defensive and insipid displays got me wondering, was the decision made on May 25, 2015 to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his job the right one? The man who brought La Decima as well as an unmatched brand of attacking football which saw Real come close to breaking the longest winning streak in professional football. The man who made Madrid a joy to watch and football in whichever stadium Madrid played worth the money. The follow up on the decision to appoint a Defensive minded coach in the form of Rafa Benitez shocked not only myself and Madridistas but football aficionados worldwide
Its only been a matter of months and the ever demanding Madridista following is displeased at the style of the team in recent games. Such is the nature of the Bernabeu hotseat. A seat on which Rafa Benitez has been on for close to six months and is beginning to feel the heat. Often criticized for his defensive approach, he has not done himself any favors with the brand of football he is churning out with the amount of quality he has at his disposal. The insipid displays exhibited in games this season has made watching Real a real bore. The Clasico Debacle at the Bernabeu was the height of what Benitez has brought to Madridistas. The defeats suffered at the hands of Villareal and Sevilla as well as the draws at Atletico and Valencia do not do him any favors. His decisions to keep players like Isco and James out of a side that lacks creativity as well as criticisms of senior players and the refusal to acknowledge his best player does him no favors with the playing body. The Bernabeu faithful have had it with him and want his head which they will get after about 1900 GMT.
The man to present them with the head of Benitez, Florentino Perez has the Bernabeu on his back to resign since his dismissal of Ancelotti and appoint Benitez took him a step back. The circumstances leading to the disgraceful exit of club captain and icon Iker Casillas did not cover him in glory. The botched attempt to sign David De Gea and the expulsion of the club due to the failure of the club to deal with administrative issues. Perez unlike Benitez has a bit more time on his hands as the general elections are in sight and can right his wrongs with the club and its fans. Replacing Benitez with a more tactically balanced manager should pose no problems as the playing body appears united against the 'common foe' and may yet experience a renaissance.
The die is cast for both men as they have little or no time at the club but these cancers that Los Blancos face are proving to be dangerous and must be eliminated immediately and the decision that the Surgeon Perez (today) and the eventual cancer (during the elections) will be the best for Madrid as 2016 progresses
Its only been a matter of months and the ever demanding Madridista following is displeased at the style of the team in recent games. Such is the nature of the Bernabeu hotseat. A seat on which Rafa Benitez has been on for close to six months and is beginning to feel the heat. Often criticized for his defensive approach, he has not done himself any favors with the brand of football he is churning out with the amount of quality he has at his disposal. The insipid displays exhibited in games this season has made watching Real a real bore. The Clasico Debacle at the Bernabeu was the height of what Benitez has brought to Madridistas. The defeats suffered at the hands of Villareal and Sevilla as well as the draws at Atletico and Valencia do not do him any favors. His decisions to keep players like Isco and James out of a side that lacks creativity as well as criticisms of senior players and the refusal to acknowledge his best player does him no favors with the playing body. The Bernabeu faithful have had it with him and want his head which they will get after about 1900 GMT.
The man to present them with the head of Benitez, Florentino Perez has the Bernabeu on his back to resign since his dismissal of Ancelotti and appoint Benitez took him a step back. The circumstances leading to the disgraceful exit of club captain and icon Iker Casillas did not cover him in glory. The botched attempt to sign David De Gea and the expulsion of the club due to the failure of the club to deal with administrative issues. Perez unlike Benitez has a bit more time on his hands as the general elections are in sight and can right his wrongs with the club and its fans. Replacing Benitez with a more tactically balanced manager should pose no problems as the playing body appears united against the 'common foe' and may yet experience a renaissance.
The die is cast for both men as they have little or no time at the club but these cancers that Los Blancos face are proving to be dangerous and must be eliminated immediately and the decision that the Surgeon Perez (today) and the eventual cancer (during the elections) will be the best for Madrid as 2016 progresses
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