Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme discuss whether modern football has left Mourinho behind. They analyze his coaching style, adaptability, and success in knockout matches, as well as his suitability for international management. The podcast also explores the importance of timing and coaching styles in international football.
Modern football's focus on attacking and high-intensity play has made Mourinho's defensive style appear outdated.
Mourinho's defensive approach and tactical adaptability could still make him well-suited to international management.
Deep dives
Mourinho's Time at Roma: Mixed Results and Lack of Tactical Flexibility
Jose Mourinho's time at Roma has been a mixed bag. While he managed to win the Europa League and reach the final of the Conference League, his overall record against top Italian teams was poor. In his 26 league games against Milan, Inter, Lazio, Juventus, and Napoli, Roma only won four and lost 16, with a lackluster scoring record. One of the main criticisms of Mourinho's style is his defensive approach and the limited tactical flexibility, leading to stagnant and unappealing football when things are not going well. Additionally, the fact that other teams have been able to win the Scudetto in recent years raises questions about Mourinho's ability to compete for the league title. Despite his successes in cup competitions, the statistics suggest that Mourinho has not left Roma in a significantly better state than when he arrived.
Mourinho's Style and its Suitability in Modern Football
Mourinho's style of play has often been labeled as defensive, but it is more accurate to describe him as pragmatic and adaptable. His success with teams like Porto, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, who played attractive attacking football, contradict the notion that he is solely focused on defense. However, the game has evolved, with a greater emphasis on attacking and high-intensity football. Mourinho's style, which may have been effective in the past, now appears more negative when compared to the style of coaches like Guardiola or Klopp. As the game has become more attack-minded, Mourinho's defensive approach is seen as outdated by some. Nevertheless, his style could still be effective in international football, where the focus is often on defensive solidity and short-term success.
Mourinho's Man Management and Player Preferences
Mourinho's man management skills have been both praised and criticized throughout his career. While he has formed strong bonds with certain players and adapted his coaching style to suit individuals, there have also been instances of players getting bored or losing confidence under his management. Mourinho's preferred style of play, which often revolves around one or two star attackers, has been successful with players like Deco, Sneijder, Ozil, Fabregas, Ibrahimovic, and Kane thriving under his guidance. However, modern players may require a different approach, and some may not respond well to Mourinho's more confrontational and old-school methods. It remains to be seen how well his man management approach would translate to the international stage.
Mourinho's Knockout Football Expertise and Potential in International Management
Mourinho has a proven track record in knockout competitions, with successes in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. His ability to organize defenses and adapt tactically has been a strength in cup competitions. International football, with its defensive nature and short-term focus, could be well-suited to Mourinho's style. National teams often prioritize defensive solidity and individual brilliance, rather than expansive attacking football. While there is a growing trend of appointing coaches from youth levels to international management, Mourinho's experience and track record could still make him an attractive option for national teams seeking success in major tournaments.
The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on Jose Mourinho's fall from grace - 20 years on from winning the Champions League with Porto.
Has modern club football left Mourinho behind. Do a younger generation of footballers tire of his methods too quickly and has he ever been a 'defensive' coach?
Plus, why he is perfectly suited to international management now.