Mourinho admits to ‘wrong decisions’ on Bale and Alli as boss leaves door open for ‘good quality’ players

[Japhet]

Okay, so there's a slight disparity in the article and headline (as in all other cases), but the overall sentiment is there. But even if true, I don't see how his conduct with the press is any criteria to judge him by...

'Slight disparity'? The title says he 'admits to wrong decisions' and he does nothing of the sort.

 

[CrazyHeart]

'Slight disparity'? The title says he 'admits to wrong decisions' and he does nothing of the sort.

Well he did say he should've played Bale and Dele more - like I said, the sentiment's definitely there in not so many words.

 

[spursfan77]

Well he did say he should've played Bale and Dele more - like I said, the sentiment's definitely there in not so many words.

No!

He says he would of played them if they had been in a condition to play or fit. It’s completely different to saying he’s made a mistake selecting other players ahead of them. Which I don’t think he has.

 

[CrazyHeart]

No!

He says he would of played them if they had been in a condition to play or fit. It’s completely different to saying he’s made a mistake selecting other players ahead of them. Which I don’t think he has.

So he should be fired for that?

 

[cider spurs]

His words do kind of place the onus on the aforementioned players. But, it maybe reduces his wiggle room to drop them if they come in and perform.

Whilst not setting the world alight, Alli has come on a few times and performed just as well as others around him, but then he's been banished back into obscurity straight after.

Maybe Jose will give a little in these areas and at least give the likes of Bale and Alli the opportunity akin to the usual suspects selected, who themselves are guilty of poor showings at times this season.

If nothing else, the lines of communication can only be seen as a start. Even if it's only Mourinho reiterating what he expects.

Everyone knows where they stand. Ultimately, everyone has to stick to their part of the bargain to potentially reap the rewards.

 

[DCSPUR]

Good to hear Jose taking responsibility. Frankly it was on him to change the dynamic and it doesn't matter to me whether it was genine evolution in his own personality and approach or a more pragmatic desire not to get fired. Funny that those of us who were demanding that he do more to reintegrate Bale and Alli were criticized for doing so. Anyhow this is good - 15 mill a year coach recognizes its up to him to do more to bring out the best from top talent. Terrific and should lead to real rewards on the pitch itself.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Of course. I can't speak for all the players but he's had a fair discussion with Bale very recently, which they both got their concerns out in the open. From what I'm told GB came out of it far more positive than he went in.

He doesn't want to return to Madrid and now knows exactly what Jose needs/expects of him. So that's at least Dele, Serge and Bale that have seen a side to Jose nobody thought existed.

Maybe it won't work or won't last. Thing is it's a change of tact, because whatever was happening before wasn't working.

All we've heard since day one from the nay sayers, is "same old Jose" and "he'll never change". Well they are wrong it's not the same guy that never took responsibility, and that is the good news imo.

I think the way he’s speaking to the media etc is showing he is trying to change a bit or at least portray a softer image but it does seem like a fair few big players are unhappy and it’s a little late in the season now to be getting dele and bale etc on side, he should’ve had them on side from day 1.

I just think this whole breaking players down to build them up thing is bullshit these days. Take klopp and pep have either of them completely cut off big players ... NO... because they understand the importance of squad harmony and togetherness, I want our form to pick up but honestly I think even if Jose is trying to change a bit it won’t be enough and fundamentally his core principles will not change and I just don’t think it works with modern footballers unfortunately.

 

[DCSPUR]

I think the way he’s speaking to the media etc is showing he is trying to change a bit or at least portray a softer image but it does seem like a fair few big players are unhappy and it’s a little late in the season now to be getting dele and bale etc on side, he should’ve had them on side from day 1.

I just think this whole breaking players down to build them up thing is bullshit these days. Take klopp and pep have either of them completely cut off big players ... NO... because they understand the importance of squad harmony and togetherness, I want our form to pick up but honestly I think even if Jose is trying to change a bit it won’t be enough and fundamentally his core principles will not change and I just don’t think it works with modern footballers unfortunately.

perhaps the only example of this attitude is Pep with Zlatan which was absurd on his part and probably cost them the CL (bringing on Bojan instead of Ibra in the second leg was idiotic).

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

perhaps the only example of this attitude is Pep with Zlatan which was absurd on his part and probably cost them the CL (bringing on Bojan instead of Ibra in the second leg was idiotic).

Completely agree on Pep and Zlatan but I meant at city & Liverpool I can’t think of a single important big name player who either manger has frozen out both these managers build players egos and confidence up massively they don’t criticise and beat them down. No wonder our players look sad as Jose called it, sorry but I think he’s done and his methods are outdated. (Jose)

 

[Shadydan]

Thread title duped everyone

 

[CrazyHeart]

Completely agree on Pep and Zlatan but I meant at city & Liverpool I can’t think of a single important big name player who either manger has frozen out both these managers build players egos and confidence up massively they don’t criticise and beat them down. No wonder our players look sad as Jose called it, sorry but I think he’s done and his methods are outdated. (Jose)

Even a time-traveling, cutting-edge coach from the year 3100 couldn't do anything about individual mistakes.

 

[CrazyHeart]

Thread title duped everyone

Becaaaause it didn't promulgate the "Jose out" narrative as hoped?

 

[BuckeyeSpurs11]

Of course. I can't speak for all the players but he's had a fair discussion with Bale very recently, which they both got their concerns out in the open. From what I'm told GB came out of it far more positive than he went in.

He doesn't want to return to Madrid and now knows exactly what Jose needs/expects of him. So that's at least Dele, Serge and Bale that have seen a side to Jose nobody thought existed.

Maybe it won't work or won't last. Thing is it's a change of tact, because whatever was happening before wasn't working.

All we've heard since day one from the nay sayers, is "same old Jose" and "he'll never change". Well they are wrong it's not the same guy that never took responsibility, and that is the good news imo.

I wish there was a prayer emoji. I desperately want Gareth's return to work out. He has shown glimpses in matches of doing things that nobody else can do (against City, it was his quick feet around a few defenders before nearly scoring). Hope he can kick on and be a key piece through our 3 remaining competitions.

 

[Shadydan]

Becaaaause it didn't promulgate the "Jose out" narrative as hoped?

Are you okay?

 

[rez9000]

I don’t disagree with some of that and I’m not one of the “Jose out now” brigade, but I just have that feeling based on a few of the things he’s saying and particularly how we lined up at the weekend.

Seems almost as if he’s trying to show he can adapt to criticism, but I’m cynical on whether that has come from within or from external pressures.

Perhaps, but does it really matter? More to the point, does it necessarily have to be binary; could it not be both?

EDIT: @Trix beat me to it. As you were.

 

[E17yid]

Perhaps, but does it really matter? More to the point, does it necessarily have to be binary; could it not be both?

EDIT: @Trix beat me to it. As you were.

IMO, it massively matters. If a coach is willing to compromise his entire philosophy or approach to management/the game in general due to external and/or internal pressure then it’s game over. If he’s suddenly had an epiphany that he’s been wrong all this time then that is also concerning but admirable that he’s doing something to address it I guess.

 

[stormfly]

Even a time-traveling, cutting-edge coach from the year 3100 couldn't do anything about individual mistakes.

Tbf if he can travel time and we kept losing I’d be livid.

 

[Buggsy61]

We certainly need some extra attacking options for the Europa games which look like our only real chance of getting in the CL next year.
The stats don’t lie - the majority of our goal threat comes from Kane and Son who are both being run into the ground, so opponents have concentrated on strangling this threat knowing there is not much else to worry about. Bergwijn has potential but looks like he is playing within himself to suit the Jose system.
We really need those ghosting runs into the box from Alli and Bales threat from the flanks and long range if we are going to do something in the big matches ahead.

 

[rez9000]

IMO, it massively matters. If a coach is willing to compromise his entire philosophy or approach to management/the game in general due to external and/or internal pressure then it’s game over. If he’s suddenly had an epiphany that he’s been wrong all this time then that is also concerning but admirable that he’s doing something to address it I guess.

That wasn't the point I was making, buddy. It was in answer to whether the change was for internal or external pressures, not whether the change itself was positive or negative.

 

[dagraham]

IMO, it massively matters. If a coach is willing to compromise his entire philosophy or approach to management/the game in general due to external and/or internal pressure then it’s game over. If he’s suddenly had an epiphany that he’s been wrong all this time then that is also concerning but admirable that he’s doing something to address it I guess.

Yeah this is why I’m sceptical. I agree that in the short term it doesn’t matter if it means we can salvage something from this season.

In the long term though I have doubts it is going to be successful. Jose may have reflected in his time off and learnt to temper of few tendencies and softened the edges a bit, but he’s been very successful all his career managing a certain way and I don’t believe he has really changed his approach. And from his point of view, why should he?

As you say, if he’s going against all his natural instincts of management then I think that can only hold for so long before it reverts back and causes friction ( with himself if nothing else).

He is what he is and that is either the right way to take us forward and bring success or it isn’t.