There was a time when Jose Mourinho was one of the more respected managers in world football. However, with every passing week, the words of the Portuguese tactician further erode not only his reputation, but also that of Chelsea. Heading into Sundays showdown against Liverpool, it is no surprise that Mourinho has once again taken centre stage, asserting that he may field a second-string side against the Reds and that the Premier League have shown his club great disrespect with their scheduling. However, if there is one thing that we have learned from Mourinho it is that while his words may make one question his sanity, when it comes to tactics, the former Real Madrid boss is seldom wrong. In fact, one can consider his recent comments to be the start of the tactical battle, and what a battle it will be. With European commitments next week, Mouriho may well decide to rest some of his star players, but with the likes of Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel suspended for the clash with Atletico Madrid, while Mohamed Salah and Nemanja Matic are ineligible, even a second string line-up will pack considerable punch. However, the Special One will have to make do without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Peter Cech and inspirational skipper John Terry, with players suffering injury in the 1-0 defeat to Atletico in Madrid. While Mourinho has stolen the limelight once more, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is probably quite happy to have the focus on Chelsea. After all, it is the Reds who are supposed to be feeling the pressure as they edge towards their first title in 24 years. It may be all change for Chelsea, but Rodgers will be looking to keep it simple and stick with what has become an incredibly successful formula. Daniel Sturridges return to the mix will come as welcome news, with the England international likely to see Lucas relegated to the bench as the Reds return. There were moments of concern last time out against Norwich and there are likely to be again against Chelsea; that is the nature of having everything on the line. Mourinho parked the bus very effectively against Atletico in mid-week, and he may well use this strategy again at Anfield. While normally the source of boredom, the thought of the attacking triad of Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling trying to knock down the Chelsea wall is somewhat appealing; the ultimate battle of defence versus attack. Should Liverpool triumph this weekend, they will be another step closer to the title and a three-point haul will be another feather in Rodgers cap as the apprentice usurps the master. However, far too often Mourinho has unleashed a surprise for any Liverpool fan to be sitting easy come Sunday.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 06:17:49 +0000
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