Jose Mourinho – A Tactical Evolution

As all Chelsea supporters awaited the big man’s appointment, some including me are a bit skeptical. But no one could ensconce the joy the little guy inside their heart was having. What made him so special? Was it his first press conference? Or was it something else?
I am one of those people who love to see a manager stand up for the team. The famous ‘chin up’ gesture at the Emirates made a sad day something special for us. But that surely can’t be enough.
NO manager is perfect. Like all managers, Jose has adapted to the conditions in order to remain in perfect shape. Has he kept up to date with current formation changes or stuck rigidly to his own formula?
PORTO
After Porto’s president Jorge da Costa had finally sealed Jose’s appointment, it seemed to be a perfect match as well as a long-time coming.
Jose was one of the head coaches in the Liga Portuguesa and was expected to set high standards. The Portuguese prodigy took to the job and churned out results quickly, showing promising belief and tactical flexibility.
His team was a relatively basic team tactically. Working out a well-drilled 4-3-1-2 system, there was nothing tactically innovative about this side. The defensive line was led by one of the best sweepers of modern time, Ricardo Carvalho often working the offside trap and baffling the opposition. The midfield ruled by Costinha was the strongest element of this side, teeing up the defensive brilliance to magnificent counter attacks.
The way he led Porto to the pinnacle was an indication of his off the pitch approach.
CHELSEA
After being crowned as a European champion, Jose came to Stamford Bridge having no idea that King’s Road would become his spiritual home.  The Special one made a statement that no manager in the world thought to be a result of over confidence.
Mourinho worked a 4-3-3 system that worked brilliantly against English teams who were still riveted on playing a 4-4-2 system.  Again, this was a side that focused on working hard and worked on quick counter attacks. And when things got rough on a rainy day in Birmingham, he always had Didier to smoothen things for him.
As at Porto, Jose made Chelsea a hard working and a robust side. Flexibility was a key factor. This made Mourinho’s side shift to a 4-1-4-1 formation by getting Eidur Gudjohnsen as striker and getting an additional midfield player alongside Frank Lampard who thrived under it. Mourinho also looked for his wingers to frequently switch wings, which Arjen and Joe Cole did. With Didier lurking forward, Jose also gave his full-backs many opportunities to rush forward and put in a cross or two. He got in ‘Industrial’ players and success came in a plenty.
INTER
Mourinho and Chelsea broke their association at very controversial terms and as both moved on; Jose chose to fill the seat of the blue half of San Siro. The Nerazzuri were a side that enjoyed domestic success but were never able to move up to the next level i.e., European glory.
Inter were a side that were housing world class stars. As he worked for a 4-3-1-2 formation with Eto’o and the prodigious Diego Millito upfront, he brought flexibility in the squad. Jose also switched to a 4-5-1 formation. With Eto’o, one of the most versatile attackers, and Thiago Motta he brought in a defensive mind-set in the squad.
Inter’s strongest aspect was their midfield. With world-class international midfielders like Sneijder, Cambiasso, Stankovic and Zanetti a game with immense box to box running was seen. And lastly the defence that had one world class right wing back in Maicon, a commanding centre back in Samuel, a strong centre back Lucio and at left there was Chivu. Not to mention Julio Cesar between the posts.
Though Inter had a very defensive and often criticised tactic, Mourinho won everything there is. As the newspapers pointed out – ‘Jose Mourinho won the Champions League with Inter on the counter!’ But his ability to come up with something just a little bit different enabled him to stay ahead of the game and claim famous victories at Stamford Bridge and Camp Nou.
REAL MADRID
After winning the treble with the Nerazzuri, Jose finally responded to Perez’ call and was appointed Real Madrid’s manager. As Mourinho had recently revealed that Madrid were after him for a long time, a move to the hottest of all hot seats was Mourinho’s biggest challenge.
With big names like Cristiano and Kaka already at the club, a big over haul was expected. Players like Di Maria, Ozil and Khedira were brought in. While big names like Van Der Vart and Raul were sold. Mourinho went with a 4-2-3-1 system throughout his reign which was uncharacteristic of him. He developed a creative and hard working steam and consequently built the fastest counter attacking side of the modern era.
He had all the elements. Two of the best wingers at each wing, a creative German, a solid midfield which saw Xabi Alonso, Khedira and later Modric dominate the area. He also mixed in talents of Higuain and Benzema and a well drilled defence in front of their legendary goal keeper.
As he successfully managed to break Barcelona’s dominance, his reign would have been labelled a success only if he had provided the club with the much awaited Le Decima.
Jose’s Real Madrid were the ideal counter attacking side and could have dominated world football. But the team seemed to be bleak and out of order. Individual records were achieved. Only if this team had the spirit and mind set of the Porto side that won the UEFA Champions League.
BACK HOME
After completing the Grand Slam, Jose Mourinho or the Happy one has finally come back home. And as optimistic as we all would love to be, some concerns can be raised. What can be expected from the Boss?
Formation
With what we have seen at his time at Inter and Porto, Mourinho will try to bring in a bit of flexibility. A team that is well drilled and thrives on counter attacks with proper wingers and full backs pushing in. While a 4-2-3-1 system justifies our cause, we can shift to a more mediocre 4-3-3 with Lampard being used. With the likes of Hazard and Schurrle on the wings, they can be operated by our little genius.
Defensive Line
The problem that most fans and pundits see with us is the constant lapse of concentration in the defence (Most noticeably with David Luiz). Frankly, this point cannot be argued with. Mourinho will be very strict on keeping the goals conceded to a minimum and the Portuguese’s methods will hopefully see us return to the days of having the best defensive record in the division.
Work Ethic
Jose’s biggest strength is his ability to motivate players and make them work for the team. A well drilled side can be expected of this new team which focuses on closing down opponents.
Jose’s pedigree points to the idea that his second coming will be a successful one. He did, after all, win back-to-back titles during his first two years in charge. A long term engagement can be expected of him.
Jose Mourinho does face a big challenge. The league, the players, the funding and the structure has changed. Whether Mourinho’s persona will change once the heat starts rising in the Premier League pressure cooker remains to be seen. For now, though, he appears more diplomatic than ever.
Vinil Awtani (@VinilAwtani)