This is one of those videos that I appreciate won’t appeal to everyone, especially perhaps those that have an inbuilt disgust for José Mourinho that defies even the mildest cross-examination. The key point in all of this tactical analysis is understanding how Mourinho has formed a disciplined squad upon which the player can as a team achieve the aim which is to win.
You’ll note as you’re talked through the tape, you should get a sense of the careful assembly of players that can fit into two similar but not identical formations. We might also not how at odds this process is to buying punts and hoping.
There’s a lot of José haters who read these blogs.
Yes the facts stated win nothing, the point being to highlight to said haters, THFC are performing at a far BETTER level than before José was appointed, ‘entertaining’ or not. Thats all.
So, THFC can go backwards to being ‘entertained’ & not performing at a better level (eg, the Pocettino or Redknapp years) or keep progressing forward & winning, be that ugly, ground out, hard fought or however, ‘entertaining’ or not.
Showbiz is about entertaining, football is simply, 100% about winning, at all costs, the RESULT be it 1-0 or 5-0, 3 points is all that matters. Being ‘entertained’ but losing 5-4 doesn’t do it for me. Drawing 3-3 with West Ham was ‘entertaining’ & that is where the wish to religiously or mostly be ‘entertained’ falls flat on it’s arse! – can only be ‘entertained’ if THFC win??
José’s, “nice guys they never win,” statement is so true, the ‘Spursy’ tag has been in existence for 20+ years as over that time, THFC teams have folded like a soggy cardboard box too often. ‘Entertaining’ at it’s best with results at their worst!
Yes, I’d be ecstatic if THFC won every match 5-0, playing olé football like 1970’s Brazil, but I go to watch my team (hopefully) WIN, by ANY margin, by ANY means & ‘entertainment’ to ME is NOT ever a consideration as to why I buy my season ticket.
Here is a fact for you, we would be third. What does that win us? And those 2 teams above us play in an entertaining way. Not in every game, but their style is entertaining, not just results based. Their manager’s demand that they play a hard press and play attacking football.
Of course fans want to be entertained, it would be churlish to think otherwise, especially if you are a Spurs fan. Arthur Rowe, Bill Nich, Danny B set the tone back in the day. We are hardly here because of the trophy cabinet brimming with pots and pans. Or, are you seriously stating that fans do not want to be entertained? Managers and players are paid to win, at any cost. Of course some do not care about entertainment, as it is their job. Results matter, but my statement was about the fans. Which is what we are and what this blog serves. We all want to win a trophy, it is driving most of the fan base to despair but we will continue to support Spurs even if we don’t, like we have through the 90s to now.
I would like to know who these Jose haters are because from my perspective most on here hate Levy. He is the one who tied Harry’s and Poch’s hands when they needed financial support to get over the final hurdle. I am not utterly convinced he has given Jose what he really wanted. However, the Tottenham we have now is more entertaining than the team that was drawing to Bournemouth post Lockdown. No one could see what Jose was trying to do at the end of last season, it was dire and his tactics deserved criticism. Even the Newcastle win was abject. He has changed tact, helped with a few tweaks in the transfer window and from a fan’s perspective that is good to see. I would like to think in a year’s time he would have his team having shipped out the excess.
If football was solely about winning though there would only be about 4 teams in existence in England, Spurs not being one of them. There seems to be a consensus that Spurs can’t win by being entertaining. That is nonsense, we just need the manager backing. Quality players provide the entertainment and invariably results follow. When I look at the teams who have won trophies in England though, dating back decades to now, they tended to play attacking and attractive football, ourselves included. But the chairmen backed those managers with great players. Whether we win anything will depend on if Jose has been backed enough.
Both ‘would be’ ARE facts, of (a). the last year & (b). the last 34 matches, as to how José has the squad playing, but ok, a high level of performance is irrelevant & can be forsaken by some for a bit of entertainment instead.
Would be aren’t facts are they?
See the non-disputable FACTS above!
TWO main objects of football –
1. Win (score more).
2. Do not lose.
Entertainment? Since the early 70’s I’ve NEVER heard any manager or player say anything about (primarily, solely or of any/major importance), entertaining the fans!?
A very good video. Hojbjerg has definitely helped to shut up shop, with Toby being a welcome sight (as opposed to Sanchez) in defence. Ndombele’ form has obviously helped, but I do want to see more from him. Same with Lo Celso. 2 good players who have to chip in. Son’s amazing form and Kane’s too is dragging us through without entirely being comfortable. These big games coming up will show if the tactics are on point, but moreover, can our players stick to the plan and not cause a repeat of Antwerp. This season Jose has got it right, so has Hojbjerg, Kane and Son. Time for a few to step it up a level.
Show me a fan who doesn’t want to be entertained!
Snap.
I like these tactical explanations. Good content.
Heres some clinical, objective stats for all the José haters to choke on;
Since José’s appointment, 20/11/19 –
* THFC would be 3rd in Prem. (behind Liv/Man. City)
Since ‘project re-start,’ 17/06/20 –
*THFC would be 2nd in Prem.
* Joint 2nd most wins
* 2nd lowest goals conceded
* Least defeats
* 2nd highest goal difference
Ok haters, now you can tell us all how you don’t like José’s style of football & you want to be entertained, etc.
PS. HH – great video! 👍🏾