February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The disciplinarian coach has forewarned that he will look to lock a 1-0 away with 15 minutes to go. An end-of-game approach that his FC Porto were masters at in the Champions League.
Known for his meticulous organization and preparation, Mourinho has put the emphasis on his rules. The no-nonsense coach will give his players written explanations of what is expected of them. He has made it clear that drinking and partying before games is unacceptable, and indeed before training. He stresses the importance of players carrying out any schedule given by the trainer to regain fitness. Fines and possible dismissal will result in players not following his rules. His priority is to cut the number of players to instill hunger; a Porto characteristic that was evident against Deportivo in the CL semi that led to success.
It was obvious the way Porto won the CL that discipline was very much a part of their make-up also. Determination was the kind of attitude we saw when they went a goal in front of opponents. They got tighter on team defense and were able to find an extra gear in midfield.
In theory and in his short past as a manager that’s been wonderful for the Portuguese tactician. It has worked. It does not mean it will work in the EPL. It would be all fine as long as you were winning your games 1-0 in the first place. But I guess Jose Mourinho is not short on confidence in getting results either? However, he may have spoken too soon with his predictions.
He promised to bring the title to Chelsea within four years. Then in that typically arrogant Mourinho style, the manager said, “If the board decides to sack me, I think I will get a few weeks’ holiday and it will not be difficult to get a new club.” That’s confidence?
As winner of the Uefa Cup followed this year by the Champions League title, Mourinho is on top of the soccer world. The question is can he stay there in the EPL? A task that becomes more difficult by the week it seems.
Carlos Queiroz returns to Manchester United with so much to prove after his Real Madrid flop. It’s expected he will take on a three-year contract at Old Trafford. He coached United to a league title two years ago. It was a very defined looking Red Devils’ team with a solid back line. The well-respected Carlos Queiroz should have no problem putting that shape back together once again. He’s due to return to United after just one year with Real Madrid and that spells danger for everybody in Europe. It’s made easier, of course, with the return of Rio Ferdinand.
The hunger of Alex Ferguson to put his United back on top will also prove a hurdle and a half for Mourinho to get over.
Adding to the challenges ahead for the ex-Porto boss is Tottenham Hotspur. French coach Jacques Santini also has title hopes for Spurs when he takes over at White Hart Lane after Euro 2004. In his 23 games coaching France, Santini has lost only once. The French mastermind is fully aware of the glory days once upon a time at Spurs and his aim is to bring them back for the Tottenham faithful. Adding to the coup is the arrival of Sports Director Frank Arnesen from PSV Eindhoven who played a role in luring the famous French manager to Spurs.
So Mourinho watch out, you’re not the only new manager on the block. And don’t forget Liverpool is also searching for a new boss. Favorite to land at Anfield is Rafael Benitez who won the Uefa Cup and the La Liga title with Valencia. Benitez is waiting to hear from all offers and will likely choose a team with a solid European history like Liverpool. Money, Benitez claims, is not going to determine where he goes. Yet another very hungry coach who while trying to prove his worth could easily spoil Mourinho’s title plans.
The ultimate challenge of course is to take the title away from Arsenal. The entire team returns with captain Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry pledging their allegiance to the Gunners for a few more years. The team spirit at Arsenal will take a beating not only next season but for a long time to come.
Mourinho is but a part of that bigger picture. If any team can make lofty statements it would be Arsenal. They are the team on the brink of domination not Mourinho and Abramovich’s Chelsea.
Europe’s mainland managers play a major roll in evolving football in the EPL. In fact, it’s exactly what we are seeing. It’s looking more likely that United 90s have indeed past, but not forgotten.
It looks like it’s Arsenal’s turn. But the Gunners have a bigger challenge than United to dominate for such a long period — particularly with sleeping giants like Spurs about to awaken.
Bobby Robson is doing a tremendous job at Newcastle but they are coming up short, and Sir Bobby knows that. The nearest thing to the table-topping superpowers is David O’Leary, at Aston Villa. A manager who has tasted the CL play-offs and will also have something to say about the arrival of Mourinho and Co. The ex-Irish international also struts his air of confidence around as Villa’s manager. His players obviously respect him. It seems evident in the way the team plays.
They grafted a few results out before the end of the season and managed to stay afloat in the race for fourth place, scoring some tremendous goals. O’Leary has passed his first test in his return to football management. He will have his club believe they are ready to challenge for a CL qualification. Villa will expect nothing less. Mourinho will soon learn it’s not the Portuguese league where competition is not as strong on a weekly basis. Not by a long shot.