He made his return to the Estadio da Luz last month following his dismissal from Fenerbahce. ..Continue Reading
While preparing for a campaign in Istanbul that ultimately didn’t materialize, he emphasized the importance of flexibility in an interview, stating that achieving results should outweigh the desire to build a reputation by rigidly adhering to a system.
“Today, there’s no such thing as a single game model,” Mourinho told Canal 11 in July.
“There are many ways to play. There’s no longer a tactical system, there are many ways to build and defend.
“This means training in a much more tactical way, where players must grow and acquire new knowledge. The problem is wanting to copy and paste without the necessary conditions to do so.”
He pointed out that Pep Guardiola, a long-time rival, recognized when he lacked the right players to execute his preferred style.
Not every coach has the privilege of replacing Joe Hart with Ederson, and Mourinho is critical of those who become consumed by their own philosophies and suffer the consequences.
“There are coaches who try things that don’t work and fail, but they say, ‘I died with my idea.’ If you die with your idea, you’re stupid. Coaches have to adapt their ideas to what they have,” said the three-time Premier League winner.
One manager who might reflect on Mourinho’s perspective is Ruben Amorim, his fellow countryman and current Manchester United coach, who has remained firm in his tactical beliefs despite mounting evidence suggesting a need for change.
Amorim’s system, built around a three-man backline he insists on maintaining, doesn’t seem to bring out the best in his squad.
United have suffered three defeats in the league this season and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town.
“Today coaches whose names I don’t even know go to the Premier League, and I don’t say that without respect, it’s true,” added Mourinho.
“Some coaches are chosen by dates, numbers, not by victories.”
Now marking a year at the helm of Old Trafford, the former Sporting CP manager has faced scrutiny over his tactical choices since before his appointment.
The Red Devils ended last season in 15th place, and every glimpse of progress seems to be followed by another setback.
Despite the challenges, Amorim remains unmoved.
Amorim said in September that “not even the Pope” would make him revisit his outlook.
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