In the era of philosophers, José Mourinho remains the archipragmatic, totally unconcerned about having his own Plan A when it is possible to prevent the opposition from executing theirs.
It is an approach that has already won titles, Champions Leagues and numerous great games, but which seems increasingly old-fashioned when tried against the best modern coaches.
However, Mourinho’s approach is also, in its own way, fascinating.
He is so determined to work unlike his opponent that he ends up implementing systems that are completely different from anything we have witnessed in the Premier League. Your response when facing sides using sides on both sides of a front three is often to place your wings back on a back six. He formed a six defense in a completely different way earlier this season when Tottenham faced Manchester City, asking their two midfielders to become bonus central defenders. It worked really well in the Spurs’ 2-0 win. It’s not …