and who watch the Copa del Rey Final yesterday, again Mourinho has proved to be a master strategist.
case in point - watch the game that Pepe play yesterday. Pepe is Real Madrid's central defender next to Carvalho.
Yesterday, Mourinho decided to play Arbeloa, along with - Ramos - Carvalho - Marcelo in the back and bumped up Pepe even in front Alonso. Imagine preparing tactically for that switch in training, Barcelona were overpowered for large parts of the first half and first 15 of the second before he totally roast, but it totally unsettled them. His aggression and threat and power moving forward unsettled them immensely.
Guardiola was not prepared for that, I feel he woulda start Keita if he knew what would have unfolded.
As I was watching that game I was only wondering how long Pepe could keep up that intensity he was playing at, where he was single handedly running the middle of the field. It was like watching seniors vs U-17's. Barcelona had no answer for him.
But Pepe was a beast for 60 mins. Anytime Madrid got the ball they used him to overpower the Barcelona midfield and try to beat them with pace before they close down. then when Barca camp in their fav position just inside the opponent's half and play laterally around Xavi in the middle, Pepe was just trying to overpower and intimidate him.
The entire madrid team also play very physical, which was a breath of fresh air.
Is no wonder Mourinho get paid what he does, he knows his players sometimes better than they know themselves (knowing Pepe from Porto days helps too). This is the second time he outfox Barcelona (Inter last year) . That 5-0 hammering I sure still inspires him, but he has shown the class of a champion to move on and improve steadily from that. Just the other day, Marcelo was playing attacking midfield vs Tottenham.
Best coach in the world hands down.
To outcoach and beat the best playing team in the world with 2 different teams, well thats just crazy.
You get what you pay for in coaching.
Beenhakker used to switch Carlos to the left wing and confuse CONCACAF, then for the WC the stroke of genius of having him fall back at right back vs Sweden instead of bringing on a raw defender. Thats what separates decent coaches from geniuses. Half a coach work is knowing the strengths and limitations of his squad and using them effectively.
You can bet Mourinho has more tricks up his sleeves for the remaining 2 games.
That game yesterday was one of the best games I see in a while. Quality on both sides, passion, heart, and real strategy.
