THREAD - A quick thread on why appointing Jose Mourinho would not be a good idea for #Roma (based on his time at #Spurs). Please feel free to read, share and let me know what you think!

I’ll start with the usual disclaimer that I’m not #FonsecaOut - this is just in reaction to some speculation.

Reports from Spurs suggest that the players felt they lacked a clear philosophy and instead their approach changed each week depending on the opposition. Different tactics were used each week to try and exploit the opposition’s weaknesses. Clearly, there is a place for...

...exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses, but not at the cost of losing your own philosophy. Spurs players have talked about focusing on the opposition so much they did not know what to do when in possession, resulting in confused build-up play. Spurs went from Pochettino...

...who had a clear consistent approach for how he wanted his side to play to this. At Roma I would much rather see a clear identity and philosophy in place, rather than being entirely reactive.

Mourinho’s training methods in general also appear to have caused issues at Spurs. Players have reportedly complained about a lack of intensity or fitness. You could argue this is ironic considering there were previously moans about Pochettino’s double sessions being too...

...much. You could also, say that this was Jose managing the demands of the COVID impacted fixture list. However, reports are the players felt they weren’t challenged and found it “boring”. This wasn’t the only reason he “lost” most of the dressing room. He continually...

...criticised his players after poor results. Although, this approach did motivate some players initially it was clear that it alienated far more and by the end sources suggest the vast majority of the squad were glad to see him go.

A major criticism of Mourinho’s tactics was the insistence on playing a low block after taking the lead. Spurs have dropped 20 points from winning positions this year. This was a clear pattern of an ineffective approach, which again Jose blamed on his players...

...implying that this approach wasn’t coming from him, despite this being the case.
There was a definite improvement when Mourinho took charge, with a 4-2-3-1 which allowed the likes of Aurier to push forward essentially playing a 3-2-4-1 in possession. This season Kane’s...

...willingness to drop deeper has created some great link up play with Son. However, they have relied on the brilliance of Kane and Son to win the games and points. The offensive play and press have been stale and predictable.

So in conclusion, Mourinho is an iconic and successful manager, however I wouldn’t be wanting him to take over at #Roma because -
confrontational nature ‘lost’ the dressing room
reliance on low block after taking the lead, despite continually losing points from winning...

...positions
training that lacked intensity and focused far too much on opposition and defending
crucially a lack of an overall philosophy or approach

Anyway, thanks for reading. Let me know what you think! Grazie. END OF THREAD