Is Jose Mourinho finished ?
By: Sunil Sharma
Tags: Sports, Management, Millennials, Football, Drama

“I am the Special One”

Jose Mourinho’s first press conference as Chelsea manager captured the world. Arriving from Porto, where his team with a tenth of Manchester United’s budget had stormed past various European giants to win the Champions League. One of the biggest footballing shocks in recent history. His status continued to grow as he won Chelsea’s first league title in over 50 years and followed that up with another league title. His next job at Inter Milan he won the most coveted prize in club football for the 2nd time, the Champions League. Real Madrid came calling but with minimal success as he struggled to dismantle a formidable Barcelona team. After three years at Real Madrid, his return to Chelsea sparked a change in his mentality.

Mourinho told Chelsea TV, “In my career I’ve had two great passions — Inter and Chelsea — and Chelsea is more than important for me. Now I promise exactly the same things I promised in 2004 with this difference to add: I’m one of you.”

Mourinho’s ambitions to win in different countries had been achieved, he now planned to create a legacy at the club. Throughout his second stint at Chelsea he mentioned how he wanted to stay at Chelsea “forever” and that he would now only leave if Chelsea removed him.

The fairytale return seemed to be blossoming when he won the league title in his second season at Chelsea but this was short lived. Chelsea went onto record their worst start in premier league history in their third season recording 9 defeats out of 16 matches. Arguments with the board over transfers, players and his infamous fight with club physio Eva Canerio added with their terrible start meant Jose Mourinho was to leave Chelsea again. Where had it all gone wrong ? How did it happen so quickly ? Shortly following the departure (5 months), Jose became the manager of Manchester United. After record spending (highest net transfer spend of any team) since his arrival in 2016, he now enters his third season with no league title and already many points away from the top spot(looking some way short of title challengers). More concerningly, there seems to be a huge discord between himself and the players of Manchester United. Where has it all gone wrong for Jose Mourinho ?

There are many articles where you can find a descriptive analysis of his current issues and failings but few on why this is happening other than Jose Mourinho’s usual “impulsion”. I have decided to dig deeper and believe a number of the issues are due to the lack of adaption in his coaching style to the younger generation of players.

Universal Changes

Society has changed dramatically since the early beginnings of Jose Mourinho’s coaching days. At each of his clubs by the time Jose Mourinho has entered his 3rd season he has already won the league title yet that is not the case at Manchester United. Interestingly enough, Manchester United entered this year with a squad where every single player would be considered millennial (born after 1982).

Newer generations (Millennials) tend to lack respect for more authoritative figures. Their upbringing has been more permissive and less strict so they are less likely to respond to rigid arrangements or signs of power. Jose Mourinho has often used an authoritarian approach with his players offering a much more stricter regime than some of his peers such as Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. Also in the modern day, managers are now required to be more approachable than ever and should be careful with flexing their authority instead using consistency of actions as a better benchmark.

Recognition

Arguably one of the generation’s most unique elements is the need for approval from others. Many researchers suggest it is often very close to being an addiction for recognition which they not only want from people in superior roles but also their peers. Jose Mourinho surprisingly has given a lot less recognition to his players than in previous spells instead widely criticising his players publicly. Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and others have been singled out for criticism from their manager publicly which is something that the younger generations are very unlikely to respond to in a positive manner. Going back 10 to 20 years ago, this strategy is likely to have better chances of being successful.

Social Media

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have become a part of daily life as well as work now. Many feel the need to be so connected that up to 56% of millennials would turn down a job if it did not allow them social media access. At the end of his first season at United, it was reported Jose Mourinho had started a crackdown on his players’ use of social media. He became frustrated at the how much the players made public online and brought in strict rules to govern what they can publish on Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Mourinho’s policy was reportedly communicated to all of his players and their social media team managers who have not always followed his demands. This change is very unlikely to please players who are prominent users of social media. Implementing a strict regime on social media arguably shows a lack of understanding or willingness to understand the changes with millenials.

Less fear for change.

Millennials make career decisions a lot quicker than their predecessors. Broadly speaking, they tend to think about the position that they will have tomorrow and do not wait around to achieve their goals. More importantly they don’t fear change as much thus are not afraid to look for an exit. It is more important than ever to have greater and more communication with players to clearly state their current and future roles at the club. Paul Pogba has been used as a defensive midfield in a 4–2–3–1, on the left side of a 4–3–3, one of the attacking midfielders in a 4–2–3–1, in a midfield three in a 532 to being left out of squads all together. This could arguably suggest a lack of direction or purpose for the player who’s role in his national team is a lot more consistent. Reports of Pogba wanting to leave so soon since his return to Manchester United is the perfect example of millennials having less fear in change.

Is it all Jose Mourinho’s fault ?

It is unfair to solely criticise Jose Mourinho as the Manchester United board knew the man they were hiring. Many parallels between what is currently occurring to Manchester are reminiscent of his issues at Chelsea. The board have to be questioned with regards to their signings as there is a clear difference in opinions yet Jose’s demand for more established older players such as Willian should not be of surprise. Ferguson and the board have to take much of the blame for the last six years. They helped build a huge club and brand so successfully both on and off the field. However, there are many questions about the support structure around the club following Ferguson’s departure. When Sir Alex Ferguson took over Manchester United, football was in a very different situation. Manchester United are now a billion pound club. For years in English football we have criticised clubs like Watford as their methods have resulted in the manager’s role being less important. However which industry worth millions/billions would allow a single person to have as much power as some “Managers” in football? Having the correct structure in place is pivotal for long term sustainable success and arguably Manchester United haven’t with regards to how they operate on the field. Considering the size of the club surely a head coach would be a lot more suitable ?

Closing Thoughts

I have been of the opinion that the manner in which Jose left Chelsea meant he should have spent more time away from the game. I also believe that Manchester United made a mistake in hiring an angry Jose Mourinho who seemingly looked like he was on a revenge mission. That said, following the decision to hire him they should have complied with his demands as this the way he has worked throughout his career.

Taking all of this into account of the greatest strengths of Jose Mourinho is improvisation. He was the king of improvisation and adaption. He has demonstrated that by winning league titles in four different countries so write him off at your peril. I am sure that one day we will see the charismatic Jose Mourinho again, maybe not anytime soon and maybe not at Manchester United.