Having a plethora of creative spark in his midfield, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho needs to remodel his game to suit their potential. 18 Yard Box's Mrunal Nakashe takes a look at how he could do that.
Jose Mourinho returned
as Chelsea manager last season amidst much fanfare. To the Portuguese's credit
the Blues had a relatively successful campaign, mounting a sustained title
challenge as well as reaching the last four of the Champions League. The season
becomes even more commendable when you consider that throughout the term they
were without an out and out goal-scoring striker. The only thing missing was
that all important piece of silverware.
Much has changed for
both Mourinho and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich since the two men last parted
ways in September 2007. The Portuguese enjoyed a richly successful spell with
Inter Milan immediately after. But, his three-year stint at Real Madrid, prior
to his return to the Bridge, was turbulent to say the least. The ex-Porto boss
won two Premier Leagues titles and an FA Cup in his first spell in English
football and since the time he left Chelsea, the Blues have had an incredible seven managers in
seven seasons. (This does not include Ray Wilkins' solitary game in-charge in
February 2009).
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| The two men had different philosophies which led to their separation in 2007 |
The reason behind
Mourinho's exit in 2007 was no secret. Manager and owner were not on the same
page, at least as far as the team's style of play was concerned. Mourinho has a
more pragmatic, result-oriented philosophy, based around a solid defence and
the ability to make the most of limited chances. Indeed, as the game against
Liverpool and the away tie to Atletico Madrid in Europe last season proved, the
astute tactician has no qualms about stifling the opposition and turning the
game in to a scrappy affair, if the approach meets his ends. On the other hand,
Abramovich prefers a more entertaining philosophy based on possession and quick
passing, the kind professed by cross-town rivals Arsenal, for instance.
However, after
illustrious names like Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti
amongst others, were unable to provide a successful marriage of an attacking brand
of football to go with regular trophies, the Russian oligarch seems to have got
his priorities straight, in returning to tried and trusted hands. It may come as second
nature to Mourinho. But, one look at the current Chelsea squad makes clear, his
philosophy must evolve in order to make the most of the embarrassing riches the
Blues now possess in midfield.
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| They tried. They failed (Carlo Ancelotti- left. Guus Hiddink- Right) |
The London side will
still go with the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Namanja Matic has played a starring
role since re-signing back in January and new recruit Cesc Fabregas will
partner him in the two-man pivot in front of the back four. Crucially, the lack
of firepower upfront looks to have been addressed with the acquisition of Spanish
international Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid. He will be most likely supported by the
midfield trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Andre Schurrle.
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| The addition of the former Blaugrana midfielder gives plenty of spark to the Chelsea side |
But, here's where the
different permutations and combinations come into play. Hazard can play on
either flank, although, he spends most of his time out on the left. Mohamed
Salah and Willian are the other options to deputize on the right flank. The
Brazilian can also play through the middle. His compatriot Oscar tapered off
towards the end of last term and if he continues in the same vein, Fabregas can
easily slot into the midfield three with John Obi Mikel dropping in alongside
Matic. Importantly though, most of these are players who like to zip the ball
around at pace and into feet.
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| The ability of the trio to assume different roles shows Chelsea's versatility |
Further, the two
full-backs will have greater responsibility in this shape. Both Filipe Luis and
Cesar Azpilicueta will be required to get up and down the flanks in support of
the two wingers, apart from looking after their defensive duties. Costa himself
is a forward who enjoys having the ball at his feet, but his predatory
instincts also make him great in the air. During his Atletico Madrid days, Costa flourished under Diego Simeone's direct approach to the game and this is what Chelsea would need to adopt should they hope to make fully use of his potential. Of course, Costa is not shy of putting
himself about and when that needs to be done he, and the returning Didier Drogba, will always provide the option of going back to basics with the route-one
approach. Both strikers will prove a handful for most defences and can always
be relied upon to win a high percentage of aerial duals and get the pacy wingers
into play from knockdowns.. However, that will not work as the main philosophy,
at least with this midfield.
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| Costa's acquisition means that Chelsea would have to remodel their game to suit the striker |
Despite being right in
the thick of the title race throughout the last campaign, Mourinho made light
of his side's chances of glory, claiming they were still a 'little horse' and
that their time had not yet come. Well, going by their transfer business so far
this summer, that 'little horse' looks well fed and primed for battle on all
fronts. Truth be told, the Portuguese tactician could well be sitting on the
most complete Chelsea squad he has ever had. As other big names have found out
though, whatever you may do during the season, at Chelsea, only one line counts
and that is the bottomline. As such, he can ill-afford another trophyless
season and if he fails to deliver the goods with this squad the knives could be
out again. For, as experience tells us, for Abramovich, there are no permanent
enemies and certainly no permanent friends.
Written By,
Mrunal Nakashe
Mrunal writes for the Sports and Current Affairs columns for The Daily Mint and has previously written for Goal.com India and Starsports India. He now contributes to 18 Yard Box.
Follow Mrunal on Twitter @MrunalNakashe1
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