- Sep 2, 2004
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One thing that people should remember is that as much as it takes time for a team to adapt to a new manager's philosophy, that manager's legacy also remains for at least a season when hes gone.Its interesting, I've very much been in the "dont like him, never have, never will, can he please leave our club ASAP" camp. I was initially impressed with the way he adapted to our squad, the aurier hinged right-back idea etc but was completely underwhelmed by the football. Underwhelmed is probably an understatement. Its been turgid for the most part. However, I've come to understand that tactical changes are not easy especially in a demoralised squad ravaged with injuries and who have been together for a long time under 1 manager. It takes time, it takes player recruitment and coming in mid-season doesnt really allow much time for either.
Post lockdown there have clearly been signs of improvement. We are much more solid and only really conceded exceptional goals. Our counterattacking play has been much improved. I still struggle to understand why he gives up the ball and territory so readily or why when we get on top he doesn't allow us to press it home and go for it.
It is clear though that with the right players, jose still knows how to produce winning football. We have bought a cm that will allow us more flexibility. But we absolutely need 2 new fullbacks, Aurier is atrocious imo. He can't beat a player, can't defend, has no positional sense and makes at least one big mistake every single game. Davies is solid, but nowhere near good enough. I don't think I've ever seen a player give the ball away so much. Fullback is a hugely important position in modern football and if we want to be a top team, we need top fullbacks. We also need a cb and a back up striker if we are to really challenge next season.
He needs to find a way to get ndombele fit and playing too!
I'm prepared to give him a year.
This is why I think if we were to employ a progressive possession mind coach after Mourinho leaves he's likely to have some real early success as the team will already have some really good fundamental defensive capabilities.