Eye-Catching Or Efficient? What Brand Of Football Will Mourinho Employ?

One of the main reasons why Mourinho suddenly departed Stamford Bridge in acrimonious circumstances back in September 2007 was the style of play or the lack of it employed by the ‘Special One’.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has always wanted his team to play an exciting brand of football, not quite what Mourinho delivered in his first spell in charge. Even though the Portuguese tactician delivered trophies, the way in which he delivered was not quite up to Roman’s expectations.

Under the 50-year-old, Chelsea would usually close out games after going 1-0 up. They would stifle the opponent and make it difficult to play football. Just as they did at Munich a year ago, when they lifted the Champions League trophy, they parked the bus and tried to find that one killer goal which would effectively seal the match.

While Chelsea played with more flair and fluidity last season, they were unable to win any major trophies, unless you count the Europa League as a major accomplishment. While flair and fluidity will not always win you countless trophies (unless you’re Barcelona or Bayern Munich), parking the bus will if Chelsea’s recent past is to be considered.

The Blues lifted six trophies with Mourinho’s not-so-exciting brand of football and they also won the Champions League in similar fashion. So, it’s safe to say that Chelsea prefer, and are used to, a style not akin to that of Barcelona but having the same devastating effect.

However, Chelsea have players more suited to playing attractive football while creating gaps at the back, thus ensuring an open and exciting game craved by their owner. Even Jose Mourinho’s teams have always scored lots of goals and his style at Real Madrid was characterised with an attacking mind-set, with reliance on counter-attacks.

The Special One has experienced the game in four major leagues and he has, in recent years, adopted a more direct approach to playing football. But will Chelsea play an attacking brand of football, or will Mourinho prefer shutting out games after going a goal up is anybody’s guess.