Hi Fella's (
WindyCOYS
, Nathan, Bardy) please keep the pods coming, really appreciated at this time of footballing nutritional depletion.
Was interested to hear Nathan's take on the tactical evolution of Mourinho. I greeted his appointed with a similar mix of scepticism and intrigue as to what he could actually do with a squad like ours in a situation like ours, that I think Nathan felt (I think??).
He certainly would not have been my first (second, third, fourth, fifth etc) choice, but at the same time I had always held some respect for what he'd achieved and how he'd achieved it, I always knew there had been more to his methodology than just being a negative pragmatist. Had read bits and bobs about his tactics approach and influences (periodisation/Vitor Frade etc) but even within that was sceptical that this his approach to it - aggressive/get lead/passive/counter - had become overly formulaic and his interpretation was more cautious and pragmatic.
I think a slightly more proactive and much more efficient version is currently being utilised at Liverpool under Klopp/Lijnders.
But either way, I was prepared to see what Mourinho could do with our squad, as I believed it lacked not only the quality of any side he'd managed recently but also tactical intelligence, due to Poch prioritising athletic qualities over intelligence with signings like Sissoko, Aurier, Moura, Sanchez etc.
I agree we've seen some definite, reasonably good tactical tweaks from Mourinho at times, but defensively, organisationally and structurally we've been abysmal - are still conceding chances and goals at a shocking rate (last time I did a little piece on here our XGA had barely moved) and and I'm not sure how tactical approaches like we saw at Burnley even remotely could be excused - or worse, blamed on Ndombele (this was just bullshit Mourinho diversion playbook stuff).
Maybe this time out will offer Mourinho a chance to actually work with the players - and I appreciate he's inherited an unbalanced squad that lacks basic equipment, like a good footballing 6/DM or two.
PS
Is Nathan on TFC, be nice to interact and discuss some of his work/theories - especially now.