Jose Mourinho | 2017/18 Assessments | Poll Added

[Sky1981]

That's my point. 3 years is considered long tenure in top football. You can count the number of successful manager that stays for longer than 5 years with zero hand.

So i dont know where this mourinho is a short term fix comes from.

I'd call rafa 6mths at chelsea and moyes half a season job as short term , jose if he stays for 3 years is as long as most managers

 

[whatwha]

Voted the second option.

But I'm not sure why he was given a new contract before this season is over. Makes me think he might not get sacked even if we finish outside top 4.

Hard to pick a better manager who is available, too.

 

[Stacks]

Agreed. Think we will be challenging for major trophies next season. Mind, we're still within a shout this season, granted it's not likely.

I am wondering what we will do to improve to that level? I have a feeling that buying one midfielder and some fullbacks won't cut it as we need to create more opportunities for our strikers to finish. It doesn't help that we have a rival that creates bucket loads, thus scores lots of goals, and therefore naturally win most their matches comfortably. we need to compete with that somehow and conservatism works in head to head but not long term vs a Pep side. I mean when Jose beat Pep to the title, people forget Real scored more goals than any side in La Liga history.

Wow, the cafe really has gotten bad that I need to add white text to that. My apologies! I've added the white text for your convenience.

I think Mourinho has done enough to warrant more time at the club, and so long as we keep winning trophies and challenging in the PL and CL then I am happy with him.

Challenging 'in' as in finishing top 4 or actually competing for the title?

 

[Escobar]

Let's just kill ourselves.

Go ahead...

 

[Bastian]

I am wondering what we will do to improve to that level? I have a feeling that buying one midfielder and some fullbacks won't cut it as we need to create more opportunities for our strikers to finish. It doesn't help that we have a rival that creates bucket loads, thus scores lots of goals, and therefore naturally win most their matches comfortably. we need to compete with that somehow and conservatism works in head to head but not long term vs a Pep side. I mean when Jose beat Pep to the title, people forget Real scored more goals than any side in La Liga history.

I think a settled back 4 and a balanced capable midfield creates a platform for the attack that is currently not there. The Jose Machine if you like.

 

[Stacks]

I think a settled back 4 and a balanced capable midfield creates a platform for the attack that is currently not there. The Jose Machine if you like.

Jose has already bought 2 CM and 2 CB's so I would assume they were all bought to start. So we are looking at potentially 2 FB's and one more midfielder?

 

[Bastian]

Jose has already bought 2 CM and 2 CB's so I would assume they were all bought to start. So we are looking at potentially 2 FB's and one more midfielder?

We've got Bailly, Jones, Smalling, Lindelof and Rojo (apart from TFM and Tuanzebe). We'll probably sell one. If we sell two, which I'd like to see happen, we might bring one established centre back in. Jose probably didn't expect Fellaini to do anything other and smile when presented with a new contract, so no Fellaini, Carrick retiring and Ander not really having the confidence of the manager, I think we might sign two midfielders.

If he's going with a 532 then surely we are signing another centre back and possibly two full backs and one midfielder. If he's looking to mainly play 433 then I suspect he's got to really sort out midfield and maybe be a bit more economical with the defense.

A lot depends on how he views TFM and Tuanzebe...

 

[Lyrical Einstein]

So whoever long term manager you had in mind after jose needs to leave if he doesn't win the league.

That's your standard?

No, he doesnt need to leave i never said that. My pet peeve with Jose is mainly the style of play. So anyone coming next would need to bring an improvement cause honestly guys...Football for me is about entertainment...and Mourinho's too pragmatic on that behalf

 

[Sky1981]

No, he doesnt need to leave i never said that. My pet peeve with Jose is mainly the style of play. So anyone coming next would need to bring an improvement cause honestly guys...Football for me is about entertainment...and Mourinho's too pragmatic on that behalf

So you're fine with wenger?

I'm not trying to be semantics. But there needs to be balanced of style and actually winning the match.

Ideally win with style, but somehow we're not living in an ideal world.

Give him time. He doesnt won all he has won by closing up shop all the time.

 

[Stacks]

So you're fine with wenger?

I'm not trying to be semantics. But there needs to be balanced of style and actually winning the match.

Ideally win with style, but somehow we're not living in an ideal world.

Give him time. He doesnt won all he has won by closing up shop all the time.

Is Wenger backed financially the way Jose is? how much has Wenger had invested in the past 14 years (since Jose came to EPL) compare to Wenger and would Wenger do better with better players? that's a thought

 

[Sky1981]

Is Wenger backed financially the way Jose is? how much has Wenger had invested in the past 14 years (since Jose came to EPL) compare to Wenger and would Wenger do better with better players? that's a thought

That's a different story. But the point is beautiful football without winning anything gets stale fast

 

[Cliche Guevara]

I cautiously voted for the top option.

This will be a big summer and potentially complete the jigsaw. If we can balance the elements we’ve periodically seen with the impenetrable defence, and more attacking maturity and consistency then we’re in machine territory.

I do think this summer is long enough to judge, however. It has been hard work watching the progress so far but longer term I can’t see us falling below second.

City have been as lucky and consistent this season as Chelsea were last. I don’t see it being repeated albeit they’re likely to remain a good side.

If we’re not where we want to be next season then bin him.

 

[dove]

First option. Much better than previous 2 managers and we just can't keep sacking managers every 2 years. Even if he leaves in 1-2 years, we would have much improved squad as it's obvious he prefers to buy less but better players compared to LVG which is what you need to succeed. We still have a few big issues especially in fullbacks and central midfielders but I think we will sort it in the summer so let him finish what he started.

 

[Infra-red]

I can definitely see City winning the next 2-3 league titles, so if Mourinho wants to be successful in his time here, he'll need to shape us into a mean cup competition side. He made a good start with that endeavour last season and he definitely needs more time and money to finish our rebuild and properly bring us in from the wilderness.

 

[Kapardin]

More people voting or changing their vote to the first option after the Chelsea win? Could have sworn I saw a near 70% swing to the 2nd and 3rd options prior to that game.

 

[mav_9me]

I voted for 2 but I actually don't want him sacked but the first part of the statement I completely agree with. This is the best we have been since SAF left but still feel he is underachieving.

My biggest problem is what he has done with our defense. Firstly has not been solid enough, particularly in the last month. Secondly he persists with Smalling, which then requires you to abandon ball playing capabilities from the back but he has not been good enough defensively for that trade off to work. Thirdly he continues to play with effin young ahead of Shaw. Head scratcher that.

I do not expect him to make us play good football offensively, that is not his strength. But then he has not even done well what he was supposed to have done.

 

[Sky1981]

Is he good enough? Off course he's good enough.

The real question should be do you think jose has been given enough time to be judged fully? Judging him 18 mths into a rebuilding job where he basically sold half the squad he got and replace them in such a short time isn't ideal.

Maybe judge him at the start of next season or at least when the league is officially over.

Poch can still finish outside top 4 (just like we too can still finish outside top 4) and the next few game can decide between a successful campaign or a disaster for any top 4 teams bar city.

So... patience... let's not doommongering, we're at crucial stages of the league where we need unity and support, not bitching at one another

 

[Cliche Guevara]

More people voting or changing their vote to the first option after the Chelsea win? Could have sworn I saw a near 70% swing to the 2nd and 3rd options prior to that game.

Probably because the frenzied couldn’t wait to dive in and condemn him. More measured posters have taken time to think about it or come across the poll.

Add to that beating Chelsea from 1-0 down is actually a significant result and certainly something on which to base your current opinion.

 

[Stacks]

That's a different story. But the point is beautiful football without winning anything gets stale fast

not necessarily a different story as I would expect ANY United manager to have between £150-200 million per season. The only time we had that combination was Ferguson, back in the days when we could outspend teams (however brief).

I cautiously voted for the top option.

This will be a big summer and potentially complete the jigsaw. If we can balance the elements we’ve periodically seen with the impenetrable defence, and more attacking maturity and consistency then we’re in machine territory.

I do think this summer is long enough to judge, however. It has been hard work watching the progress so far but longer term I can’t see us falling below second.

City have been as lucky and consistent this season as Chelsea were last. I don’t see it being repeated albeit they’re likely to remain a good side.

If we’re not where we want to be next season then bin him.

incomparable. Chelsea didn't average 3 goals per game and only played once per week. City have been able to perform the same in the EPL and Europe simultaneously so they seem more proven to me personally. Also when we say "lucky" do you not feel they deserved to win nearly all their matches?
even the late goals were scored due to high pressured dominance in games they have missed clear opportunities in.

what aspect do you feel they won't be able to maintain? possession? dominance? chance creation? you create opportunities you score more goals and are likely to win more games.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

not necessarily a different story as I would expect ANY United manager to have between £150-200 million per season. The only time we had that combination was Ferguson, back in the days when we could outspend teams (however brief).



incomparable. Chelsea didn't average 3 goals per game and only played once per week. City have been able to perform the same in the EPL and Europe simultaneously so they seem more proven to me personally. Also when we say "lucky" do you not feel they deserved to win nearly all their matches?
even the late goals were scored due to high pressured dominance in games they have missed clear opportunities in.

what aspect do you feel they won't be able to maintain? possession? dominance? chance creation? you create opportunities you score more goals and are likely to win more games.

Lucky to score quite so many late goals in quick succession, and I think teams will have more of a go at them.

Possibly more injuries at awkward times and suspensions to contend with next season, albeit they have a strong squad.

Yeah everything’s just been a bit too nice and convenient for them this season. I don’t see any team being able to maintain quite the same dominance.

 

[Raees]

Tactical adjustments made which were necessary and a really important win against a bogey side and a big team in a game which we were behind and decent second half performance. Think it is time to give Jose that backing and hope he comes through in the rest of the season..

After that win it is hard to imagine we will cock it up from here.

 

[Broad Street Bullies]

Hmm, all valid points in the poll: He is in charge of a major rebuild, I don't think it is acceptable, bar a major injury crisis, to finish outside the top 4 & someone else might have gotten a bit more out of the squad. However, he has also said he needed 3 years, so I'll vote now, but will revisit my current thoughts on him next season and see whether I my instincts were correct.

 

[Sayros]

Voted the second option even if that will never happen (him getting sacked, not falling out of the top 4). I just think this team is so boring to watch, even in high-scoring games. There isn't much of an identity, most players fail to perform to their level consistently. It's just unacceptable from a manager of Mourinho's pedigree to have a team that still looks like they've just started playing with one another, and that was even before Sanchez came into the picture.

 

[lex talionis]

First option, clearly.

Mourinho is a top manager and if he's not I'd like to see the resume of another manager who's won more than he has in Europe and in England.
The squad, and must, be improved. Apart from De Gea, there's no other player on the squad who would start for Barcelona or Real, not even City. Mourinho can do more with less than Guardiola, but he needs a few more players to accomplish more than Guardiola. But Mourinho doesn't get an unlimited leash. If we don't win a major trophy next season -- the PL and the CL are the only two that qualify as "major" -- then he will have done everything he can do at Old Trafford and will have to move on. But even seriously considering sacking him or in June would be madness.

 

[Fluctuation0161]

Really pleased with his performance against Chelsea. He’s very much a confidence player and the constant criticism from the media doesn’t help. But it’s his first season playing at a big club and he’s doing well. Hopefully he continues to grow.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Let's be fair. I'm one of mourinho fans. But if he failed to finished top 4 this season I'll be the first to join the critics brigade.

Last season was shit league wise, but fair play the EL saved his bacon. Not an excuse or defend, but fair play to him he put everything on that one match and it pull off.

Next season is top 2 minimum or unlucky close 3rd at worst.

But the problem is people has been critizing him non stop even when the league isn't over yet. It's like drawing a match in 70 minutes and they already slagged the team. Why not show your support and save your harsh critics when the league ends. Calling for the manager head while he's still on course for a 2nd position behind an extraordinary city is very petulant.

Not sure of this was directed at me or you replied to the wrong post? I was generally praising Mou.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Really pleased with his performance against Chelsea. He’s very much a confidence player and the constant criticism from the media doesn’t help. But it’s his first season playing at a big club and he’s doing well. Hopefully he continues to grow.

Wrong thread?

 

[haram]

He's definitely on the wane unless he proves otherwise. Since leaving Madrid he's struggled to win big trophies and in that same time many new young managers have come along and outperformed him.

At least a few years ago one could say Mourinho is a top 2, top 3 manager in the world, right now no one can say that with a straight face. There are just many managers who've done and still doing better than him the past 3-4 years.

And Mourinho has some of the absolute worst record against other top teams away from home the past few years, and when I say worst, I'm talking diabolical. What makes you think he'd have had PSG not lose against Madrid away from home?

This is funny because he literally won the PL after leaving Real Madrid.

 

[Fluctuation0161]

Wrong thread?

Yes.
*gets coat*

 

[haram]

@redIndianDevil

Did the win upset you? Had stuff to say prior to the game but have seemed to disappear

Do you not enjoy us winning?

Disgrace.

 

[AP88]

For all of his flaws, he’s been working on a constant compromise since he’s been at United, whereas Guardiola’s been ‘signing’ his players while he was still at Bayern. Jose has had the make do and be resourceful; if they swapped squads, I think Pep would be doing a lot worse than Mourinho currently is.

He clearly doesn’t want Shaw and covets Rose, but has had to use Ashley Young instead. He wanted Eric Dier, Woodward couldn’t deliver so he’s had to eventually mould McTominay into a similar player instead. He’s tried to get the best out of the moody Martial and primadonna Pogba, but has had to meet them half way by creating a new system to accommodate their laziness.

Pep has a £300m+ defence and goalkeepers, while Jose’s got something generally respectable out of Smalling and Jones plus Ferguson’s old wingers; context indeed.

Jose has maximised Lingard’s talent while accommodating Mata, a player he previously discarded, and accepted Lukaku, another player who he’s previously binned and who’s dubious hold up play suggests he wouldn’t have been an ideal choice for him, but once again I imagine he’s complied with the fact that Wooodward’s been wooed by Mino Raiola’s marketable mercenaries.

Mourinho has been desperate for an orthodox winger, ideally either Willian or Perisic, but again Woodward failed to deliver players who in reality he probably only half-arsedly pursued due to their lack of marketability and #hashtag friendly name. Sanchez doesn’t have that desired skill set, but he’s a star, so Ed found a way....

There are a few of identifiable faults in Mourinho’s work here so far; for me his relucatance to utilise Shaw or Rashford properly, but overall he’s doing well. If he could simply play fantasy football without a budget like Pep has, and sign players completely compatible with his football identity, I’d back him to match, or even overall eclipse what the Catalan cretin has done so far.

People criticise his default 4-2-3-1 and the sometimes disfunctional attacking transition it breeds, but it’d run a hell of a lot smoother if he was allowed to buy players who could actually fit into it properly ie a striker with a reasonable touch and genuine wide players.

 

[westmeath]

Went for option 1.
It's been tough to watch at times but I still believe he's making progress.
Most encouraging thing is how he has developed two players, Lingard and McTominay proving many wrong who said he was just a chequebook manager.
He has got roughly 75% of signings right, Mkhitaryan and possibly Lindelof probably the two big exceptions.
Tactically I believe that he worries about taking too many risks with the players at his disposal, hence it is often not pretty but that will improve as we strengthen.
I think one of the defining tasks of his reign will be how he manages Pogba, glad to see he is tackling the problem now and appears to have acknowledged finally that there is a problem.
My final point is that he is a winner, two trophies last season emphasised that and if we can scrape past Seville in this round we might well scrape through a QF and who knows where he might lead us this season.
I score him 7/10, a lot more to do but there is nobody out there that I want to replace him.

 

[L1nk]

This threads done a complete 180 in terms of emotions, it was pages of negativity and now its just pages of positivity after 1 win, not to mention Option 2 in the poll was miles ahead prior to the Chelsea match. I wonder if any votes in the poll will change if we lose to Crystal Palace or Liverpool, or perhaps both. I'm thinking there will be some changes

 

[Jonno]

I you think there was title race when Chelsea won it 3 seasons back, then I'm not surprised you think there are 6 super teams in PL.

When did I mention 3 seasons back? I think you just imagined that. So anyway back to my point, are you ignoring the fact that there was a title race last year? Thought so.

 

[Jonno]

I guess this is the best thread to post this; it's something that makes me appreciate Mourihno as a manager.

Matic and McTominay were instructed to mark Willian and Hazard, which then left Pogba alone against two of Chelsea's central midfielders (on paper Chelsea played 343 and United 433). In order to cover the extra player, Mourihno instructed Sanchez to drop deeper on defense and help Pogba. It is obvious why Mourihno did this, as it is a very logical solution to a tactical problem. But why did he pick Sanchez for the task?

The obvious reason is that Sanchez was the right man for the job because of his work rate and determination. But I bet Mourihno also took the opportunity to put him into a position where he would have to sacrifice for the team at the expense of his own attacking play, and he did it in order to ingratiate Sanchez with his teammates. Also not a coincidence that he played Martial (the player whose place in the team Sanchez took) in a more attacking position, while having Sanchez do the dirty work and provide service to him and Lukaku.

These are the kinds of things that make Mourihno truly a special manager.

This is a brilliant post.

Apparently Mourinho doesn't play Martial in his best position, doesn't play Pogba in his best position, is past it as a manager, has outdated tactics - Laughable when he is outwitting the current Champions of England.

 

[Swift Football]

This threads done a complete 180 in terms of emotions, it was pages of negativity and now its just pages of positivity after 1 win, not to mention Option 2 in the poll was miles ahead prior to the Chelsea match. I wonder if any votes in the poll will change if we lose to Crystal Palace or Liverpool, or perhaps both. I'm thinking there will be some changes

I think its natural for people to be more positive after a crucial win against a top rival. Before Chelsea match, there were few concerning performances/results, and thats why we saw this poll at the first place.

After the CHelsea match, the second option in the poll - Whether to sack Chelsea if we did not get into top 4 became somewhat irrelevant given we have 6 point gap with 5th placed team.

Also, Sevilla game was poor but the result was quite good. Sevilla are poor in the away from home and we are pretty solid at OT, so we should advance to quarter finals.

 

[roonster09]

When did I mention 3 seasons back? I think you just imagined that. So anyway back to my point, are you ignoring the fact that there was a title race last year? Thought so.

There wasn't.

 

[Jonno]

There wasn't.

Lol... you saying "there's not been a title race in recent years in the Premier League" is like saying "it's never sunny in England" or "This week at work is never going to end".

I can't take you seriously

 

[SwSw]

How about we give the man another season? Let him get us proper fullbacks and 1-2 midfielders then only do we pass our judgement?

I really think we could do better if we get better fullbacks. The RB position is of the upmost importance considering Valencia can no longer cross a ball properly.

 

[roonster09]

Lol... you saying "there's not been a title race in recent years in the Premier League" is like saying "it's never sunny in England" or "This week at work is never going to end".

I can't take you seriously

You think there was title race just because Chelsea won title in may 12th or something?
From Feb to April, Gap between 1st and 2nd was always 9=10 points. Only in April (Game week 19, gap was cut down to 7 points). Closest 2nd team came since probably December.

Game week 33 was the closest any team came close to Chelsea with only 4 points gap and by Game 35, gap was again 7 points.

So gap between 1st and 2nd was 4 points for 2 weeks in 4-5 months and you think there was a race.

Re bold part, this coming from a guy who played down SAF achievements to big up Jose is hilarious.

Good day. I'm done with you, not worth it.