The Long Road to Eden for Mourinho

Looks like the long road to Eden for Jose Mourinho and that return to Stanford Bridge proved that much work needs to be done with The Reds. . Raising the question as to whether the Manchester United board will suffer while The Special One seeks to rediscover whatever made him great in 2005. Or lose patience not unlike Chelsea did when Mourinho returned last season from Real Madrid with little positive to contribute and eventually losing his job. The expensive and much touted moved to Manchester United was wrong from the start and a few months in to the season still looks a poor fit. With Antonio Conte proving the more astute manager on the day, winning by four gals and reviving Eden hazard from the dark place that he was under when manged by Mourinho. Who was keen to sell him at one point in his last stint at Chelsea. 

On Sunday, the Belgian international lived up to his surname and was nothing but a hazard for Mourinho, who on the side line looked almost a beaten man from the start and just hoping for the best. His team devoid of ideas and again a Paul Pogba who is playing like someone worth a quarter of the £89m transfer fee. Yet only months ago he was the main power with Juventus- the club he played at during four seasons. Ironically two of this were for Antonio Conte and were season that saw Pogba win the Biaconero with two Serie A in 2012–13 and 2013–14 and a Supercoppa Italiana. This season the trophy cupboard looks bleak and Pogba only half the player he was during EURO 2016. Indeed, Conte’s Chelsea looked like they had that proverbial extra man as they ran riot at Stamford Bridge scoring twice in the first half without reply. Then in the second succumbing to a Hazard goal and then Kate the latest recruit arriving from Leicester City. 

Antonio Conte

"I am delighted for the performance because we played very well with good intensity, good positions and we moved the ball very quickly and created many chances to score goals," he said.

"This is the third game we haven't conceded a goal and that is very important. This type of game, against a very strong team like Manchester United, increases our confidence about our work.

"We are working very hard, I see my players every day with the right commitment and work rate and they deserve this type of win and performance.

"When you work very hard it's important to win because then you trust the work."

"I asked my players to start the game strongly and to show our desire to win the game, not just to our fans but to our opponent," he added.

"We scored after 30 seconds. The most important thing is that we continued to play and to try to score the second goal, it happened and I'm very happy.

"Now we must continue because this is the right way but for me United is in the past.

"We must concentrate on Wednesday when we have another tough game against West Ham and it's important to recover and prepare for that game." 

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Mourinho Dilutes Power of Pogba

It was another one of those Mourinho epics this summer, which again seemed to be endless as he compulsively chased the signature of French International, Paul Pogba for his new club Manchester United. The MUST have player finally arrived and United paid in the process a record breaking fee with an additional tumultuous commission to the relevant agent. The latter at one point the most contentious part of securing Pogba’s services. So it was a world record by any measure and saw the return of a player that had come through United's academy and then sought a move to the Italian club Juventus. Now after re-joining The Reds for £89m the same player now seems the same misfit at Old Trafford - as he was under Sir Alex Ferguson – when only delivering three goals over a season and a half. 

With Mourinho at the helm this talented player from Lagny-sur-Marne still seems far from the force he was at Juventus for the past four seasons. Or the man who started much of what happened in the Italian team over recent seasons. Ably supported obviously by a cast of international stars playing around him. Not unlike his galloping runs that exemplified most of what was good about France during EURO 2016 only a few months ago that saw the host nation reach the final. But better players around you obviously make you play better and Pogba is finding his work at Old Trafford somewhat less straight forward than perhaps it might have been at a Real Madrid. For a player who with Juventus was a key force in reaching the Champions League final two seasons ago in Berlin where he lost to Barcelona. The summer defeat to Portugal in Paris adding to that misery as France had looked racing certainties to win the trophy on home soil.

These days at United that same rampaging Paul Pogba has faded and started to resemble what Eric Cantona once attributed to fellow countryman, Didier Deschamps, being a “water carrier”. His manager adding to the background noise complaining of his lack of attacking flair. Albeit some of that unfair as in the match against Liverpool in particular that saw the United team play with such a strait jacket even Zidane would have struggled to show any flair. Although Deschamps was more brawn and industry than silken skills, Pogba has a higher measure of both. And to see his role reduced to plugging holes in the middle of the park in Mourinho’s stifling tactics, raises the question of why buy him in the first place. But is not unusual for The Special One who has a history of struggling with talented players and found an ageing Inter Milan his ideal type of team. Taking them to the Champions League title in 2010 playing a very physical and oppressive style against Bayern Munich in Madrid. The same systems paying dividend against Guardiola’s Barcelona en route to that 2010 victory. 

Then at Real Madrid the same man who had played so well for him in Italy was surplus to requirements and so Wesley Sneijder moved on to Turkey. At Chelsea it was Juan Mata that made way for other selections. Yet there is some merit to the analysis that the graceful athleticism of Pogba has been much diluted at United. And whether it is by managerial design, team formation or issues on the player’s side is now becoming a topic of media conjecture. No doubt though the rigid systems so beloved by Mourinho also plays a role, as was seen at Anfield in that meeting with Liverpool. A match that oozed promise but became a violent status quo from the start with neither side able to play anything resembling attacking football. With United parking the bus on three halfway line as is the Special One’s want. Again the player who had romped the stadia of France over the summer was left chasing shadows under a manager whose more rent record saw failure at Chelsea last season, and left Real Madrid without fulfilling the touted promise of a Champions League title. But then again Mourinho has form in this regard in more recent times.

However, as attack is the best from of defence Mourinho felt Liverpool deserved more criticism than United for a 'cautious' approach and suggested the inclusion of Emre Can alongside Jordan Henderson stifled Pogba.

"You know, I think like everybody else the defensive side of the game I think that the team was perfect," Mourinho said at his post-match press conference. "Even the goalkeeper was on holiday for 90 minutes but he had two big saves to do and he did.

"When we recovered the ball I was expecting the team to be more dangerous, in spite of having a couple of very important chances, but Liverpool did well too, they are a very good team. You like to say they are the last wonder of the world in attacking football, but they are also a team that defends and thinks defensively.

"And I think the fact they played Can and Henderson together controlled the position where Paul should be more in control because we thought they were going to play with only one player there but they played with two."

In statistical terms Manchester United had a 35% possession and with Pogba playing higher up the pitch, the world’s most expensive player attempted just 38 passes. Pogba also passed the ball fewer times than the Liverpool goalkeeper at Anfield. His woeful pass completion rate of 71.1% was worse than every single player on the pitch barring Daley Blind and Roberto Firmino. Also he had just 63 touches of the ball with James Milner having 74. Pogba’s average for the season is 89. Then he had one shot on target in his last two Premier League games. He then created one chance against Liverpool – though it was the header that should have been scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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Belgium v Italy - Heysel Remembered

Friday's friendly between Belgium and Italy will be used to commemorate the victims of the Heysel Stadium tragedy, shortly after the 30th anniversary.

The match is being played at the King Baudouin Stadium, which is the rebuilt Heysel Stadium, where 39 people - mostly Italians - died during fan violence at the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus on May 29, 1985.

A shirt was laid along with flowers to honour the 39 who died

There was a ceremony before Thursday's training session to retire Italy's No. 39 shirt in memory of the victims, and during the match itself play will be stopped after 39 minutes for a period of reflection.

Prior to to kick-off, both teams will hold up a commemorative banner.

Yesterday's ceremony drew an emotional response from the Italy players, with Gianluigi Buffon in particular overwhelmed by the occasion.

Both Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini laid flowers at the memorial to the victims of the disaster, which saw a stadium wall collapse after crowd trouble between the two sets of supporters.

In total, the tragic incident claimed the lives of 39 fans and left another 600 injured.

Giorgio Chiellini presented a bouquet of flowers

At the memorial service, members of the Azzurri's Juventus contingent Andrea Barzagli Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio looked solemn as they remembered those supporters who lost their lives.

The friendly itself kicks off at 7.45pm this evening, and Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has admitted he wants to experiment with some players, including rightback Luis Pedro Cavanda of Trabzonspor.

Juventus players Andrea Barzagli Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio remember those who lost their lives

"Players will have a chance to show themselves," Wilmots said. "We will be rotating."

Friday's game would have been a highlight for Napoli's Dries Mertens but he was out after tearing a right thigh muscle this week.

Captain Vincent Kompany is also out of both games as he is troubled by a calf injury and, after already angering Manchester City by fielding him last month at the end of an injury spell, Wilmots is looking to keep risks to a minimum.

"I don't want to overexert him, also out of respect for Manchester City," Wilmots said. "We have enough other options."

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Old Lady Beats City Blues

Juventus came from behind to consign Manchester City to a disappointing 2-1 home defeat in their Champions League opener.

Raheem Sterling missed a good early chance for the Premier League leaders before Giorgio Chiellini headed into his own net in the 57th minute under pressure from Vincent Kompany.

The Italian side replied through Mario Mandzukic and then a fantastic 81st-minute strike from Alvaro Morata secured their first victory since winning the Italian Super Cup at the start of August.

Even the late introduction of Sergio Aguero could not inspire City as they were beaten in the Group D clash.

The defeat ends City's perfect start to the season and will again raise questions over their European ambitions ahead of a trip to Borussia Monchengladbach, who lost their opener 3-0 to Sevilla.

With five wins from five league matches, City started as favourites against a Juventus side who had taken just a point from their opening three Serie A games and lost Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal in the summer.

Manuel Pellegrini sprang a surprise by naming Aguero among the substitutes, just a day after saying he would not be fit to play. Kevin De Bruyne was also on the bench while David Silva and Sterling both started.

It was Sterling who had the best opportunity of the first half as he was played through by Fernandinho in the second minute but saw his shot saved by Gianluigi Buffon.

The Italians thought they had taken the lead in the 12th minute when Paul Pogba headed in Juan Cuadrado's right-wing cross, but it was ruled out as Morata was offside and interfering with play.

Despite their contrasting fortunes domestically this season, there was little between the sides as City struggled to make any inroads against a compact defence.

When they did create a clear chance, Wilfried Bony sliced wide from a promising position just outside the box.

Other than that, the hosts were largely restricted to long-range efforts, with Fernandinho going closest with a well-struck shot that flew just past the post.

It looked like it would be more of the same after the break as Juve continued to frustrate City.

However, the deadlock was broken in the 57th minute when Kompany climbed above Chiellini from a corner and the Italian was unable to prevent the ball bouncing off his head and into the net.

Juve protested that Kompany should have been penalised for a foul but they were fortunate not to fall further behind a few minutes later as Sterling was again denied by Buffon.

Stefano Sturaro missed the visitors' best chance in the 63rd minute when he had a shot from the penalty spot saved by Joe Hart.

But Juve did draw level a few minutes later as Paul Pogba was given too much time to curl a ball into the box for Mandzukic to guide in off the post.

City responded by throwing on De Bruyne for his Champions League debut and bringing on Nicolas Otamendi for Kompany, who appeared to pick up a thigh injury.

However, Otamendi could do nothing to prevent Juventus snatching victory as Morata curled a brilliant left-footed shot around Hart from the right.

A desperate Pellegrini threw on Aguero for the final few minutes but he was unable to save City from defeat.

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Juventus v Real Madrid

It could be a tough night in Turin for Ancelotti. It certainly could offer limited nostalgia for the Real Madrid manager as Juventus seek to reach the Champions League Final for the first time since 2003. That night in Old Trafford when Ancelotti’s AC Milan beat them after a penalty shootout and ended the dream of repeating the 1985 and 1996 titles. This time Carlo Ancelotti's homemcoming to Italy sees him without a few key players, albeit the injury list is now improved with the return of Gareth Bale. 

However the absence of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema may still prove very costly.

Clearly the Sergio Ramos midfield experiment may have reached its conclusion in Sevilla on Saturday when his cumbersome tackle gave away a needless penalty just before the half time whistle enraged Ancelotti. But there are no immediate alternatives in the absence of the injured Modric. Leaving Real with a weakness that could be exploited in attack and defence by the gifted Andrea Pirlo. Or indeed Chilean Arturo Vidal.

The away leg will be a moment for Tony Kroos who after the Seville match might hope for better accuracy with his right boot. Given three of this strikes in that La Liga match were miscues. In Turin there will be few chance against the Serie A leaders and so each shot on target will count for much in this vital first leg. His attacking opportunities no doubt to be sacrificed with his main role of subduing Pirlo.

The current goal striking form of Ronaldo suggests that he will be on the score sheet given a half chance. His recent weekend header a sublime touch and coming off the point precision pass of Bale, himself facing his first start in a few weeks. His role against Juventus also to support Chicharrito – who will look to repeat his magic from the quarter-Final return leg a few weeks ago against Atletico Madrid. 

That night he more than filled Benzema’s boots with his work rate. Also delivering that one vital goal from a Ronaldo assist.

Juventus play without the injured Paul Pogba but have the ever able Carlos Tevez available to cause the Madrid back four plenty of problems. A weakness that Simeone never fully exploited in the Bernabeu

But such are the narrow margins that will dictate this battle in Turin no doubt. 

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Juventus V Monaco AS

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri could risk midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Monaco on Tuesday.

Pirlo has not played since he suffered a calf strain against Borussia Dortmund seven weeks ago and, at 35, it could be a risky move to throw him straight into the side for the clash in Turin.

Italy's most decorated club are attempting to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2003 and face a Monaco that are still in the running for the French title.

It is likely to be a cagey affair with Monaco having scored only seven goals in eight games in reaching the quarter-finals, three of them in a single match away to Arsenal in the previous round, and have conceded a mere four. 

Juventus are equally miserly at the back, having conceded only five goals in the Champions League and 15 goals in 30 Serie A outings.

The Bianconeri head into the clash having suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Parma at the Ennio Tardini stadium on Saturday.

Although Juve's title hopes have not been affected - they now lead Lazio by 12 points with eight games remaining - Allegri is confident a different Juventus will thrive under pressure and seal a first leg victory.

"I hope this setback serves us well, although I'm sure that we will see an altogether different Juventus on Tuesday," Allegri said after Saturday's defeat.

"We're not used to losing. We were a little listless, we lacked bite and aggression. But now we have to put this display behind us. It would be stupid to let a defeat like this get in the way of our Champions League dream."

Experienced goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had an infection, and Carlos Tevez, who spent his rare day off at Lake Maggiore, will return to Allegri's starting line-up as Juve look to take a first step towards securing their first semi-final appearance since 2003 when they beat Barcelona over two legs in the quarters.

Juventus are missing their other key midfielder Paul Pogba, leaving Claudio Marchisio with the job of orchestrating play towards lively Uruguayan front man Roberto Pereyra, likely to play in the 'hole' behind Alvaro Morata and Tevez.

Doubts remain over Andrea Barzagli, who is nursing a sore calf. His availability could determine whether Allegri deploys the 3-5-2 formation he has used sparingly this season or the 4-3-1-2 that saw Juve swipe Borussia Dortmund aside 5-1 on aggregate in their last-16 tie.

Monaco will be without captain Jeremy Toulalan after the midfielder limped off injured in a 3-0 win over Caen on Friday, a result which nonetheless was crucial to Monaco's confidence before they make the short trip across the Franco-Italian border.

Monaco are targeting their first semi-final appearance since 2004 when they went all the way to the final before being humbled by FC Porto.

Coach Leonardo Jardim said: "I think the team played very well and now looking ahead to Tuesday the best thing was for the team was to win, which gives us confidence and the desire in regards to our away performances."

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