Do you know way to San Jose

There is a feeling in the air that Jose Mourinho is up to something – as always - which may well bring his tenure to a premature end at Manchester United. Whereas his style of negotiation may have been a workable modus operandi with Florentino Perez at Real Madrid and Roman Abramovich at Chelsea. It won’t really influence the Glazers one fears. So, he is underestimating his power and track record given the last Champions League victory he recorded is back in 2010. 

Currently, in terms of success versus spending at United he will be not giving the bean counters much comfort either that he knows exactly what he is doing. His value in recent years enhanced by his partnership with Jorge Mendes and that promise of top players coming to any club he manages. Though at United that has not been the case….as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Romelu Lukaku are hardly worldclass in the sense that Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, or Neymar are classed. But that he blames that shortcoming on a lack of sufficient budget at Old Trafford. But did he really need to sell Wayne Rooney? 

But history suggest he roots out the big names in the dressing room at any club he joins to perhaps exert more influence and tame the dressing room. It was Iker Casillas at Real Madrid who was shipped off to Portugal deemed surplus to requirements and a perfect example; with Juan Mata at Chelsea…then Rooney at United others. He has also let players go erroneously, as he did with Bonucci at Milan; then got rid of Lukaku and deBruyne at Chelsea; selling Arjen Robben from Real to Bayern only to see the Dutchman score goals in the semi-final of CL at the Bernabeu to end Mourinho’s promise of winning the trophy for Florentino within three seasons, 

Although these players have proved his nightmare over the years he has also been busy buying them back at times. Which makes you wonder about the nature of these deals. Regardless it was Ed Woodward, CEO of Manchester United that insisted on Jose as the choice for the club. Against Sir Bobby’s recommendation and better judgement. In the end perhaps the absence of alternatives made it a one-horse race. Also, the post Louis Van Gaal hangover perhaps requiring a big name to overcome that David Moyes phase so as to retain commercial attractiveness for sponsors. 

However van Gaal and United didn’t recover from the Moyes era either - which only compounded that fractious post Ferguson period that highlighted the lack of proper continuity planning. Although van Gaal having little or no money and playing a defensive style, was always going to make the United fans restless. Though he was a good choice for pragmatic football at a club at the time. But he ended up lost at sea and talking nonsense His compatriot Guus Hiddink would have been the better temporary choice if the Board were in doubt.

The root of the problem though really is with Sir Alex Ferguson, who stayed on too long and was allowed manage his legacy too extensively. Even choosing his own successor. Hardly acceptable under standard corporate governance protocols. Hence, he did not encourage anyone who would occlude his achievements too quickly and always wanting to remain the overseer. Who would be asked back - like Si Matt Busby - and intercede in times of trouble. 

His dinner meetings with Pep in New York highlighted that he knew what the right decision was perhaps; just couldn’t actually allow himself to be selfless. Which opened the door for Karl Heinz-Rummenigge to turn Guardiola’s interest towards FC Bayern… and all at very short notice. 

Then Manchester City through Txiki Beguirstain (a former teammate) were able to get Pep to England and keep the Blues as the more successful club in that divided city in recent times. Where also money has been no problem. Although Pep rarely complains about that stuff publicly anyway and lets his results speak for themselves. As usual the money issue resolves itself in successful times. Now he is United’s biggest nightmare….. and Jose’ is reliving that rivalry from his time in La Liga when Barcelona rang rings around Mourinho’s Madrid.

Perhaps Mourinho would have been better at Arsenal, who still languish in search of those halcyon days of Arsene Wenger's best years. At The Emirates Mourinho would have had less pressure, less expectation and would have been allowed to go about his business in his own narcissistic way without complaint. Bringing the club back into high profile no doubt under the radar, allowing Mourinho live in London with his family and enjoy the greater anonymity such a city offers compared to Manchester. 

At Porto he was a nobody when he won the Champions League… and when he arrived at a confused Chelsea the first time they were delighted to have someone bring shape and order… and then results. The same at Inter Milan, a club struggling against more successfully local rivals AC and a ragged outfit of older professionals. He left the cub with three titles, in order to go to Real and complete a treble of Champions League titles at three different clubs. Or at least he hoped to do so so and join a smaller couterie of football managers who have achieved likewise. However there was a destructive force at work in the end at Madrid and Mourinho proved unable to manage an organisation, which was always going to be larger than any one individual. Then on his return to Chelsea he only lasted months.

As with Real Madrid the arrival at United proved that although he likes media attention he cannot really operate under heavy scrutiny when there is much expectation. In the end he is not that special it seems and wilts with the constant demands on his teams. These recent rants in the Premier League about money, referees, the unfairness of life were amusing for a while to the media. But no longer so it appears if one gauges the current headlines. Especially by a professional manager - be it in any activity - and at the rate he is being paid. In fact  these days he seems lost in the parade. At odds of with the game offering a stye that is now dated, static and incapable of surviving a modern format of five midfielders and fast attacking wing backs. 

He still likes the ball through the middle and parking that bus. Relying on a Didier Drogba, Zlatan or Roman Lukaku type to head home goals. Thus, he attracts a different type of player to his clubs than is commonly accepted today as talented….. so, Mata, deBruyne, Hazard, can’t fit into the mould he wants. He would rather field 11 John Terry's one imagines so as not to concede. All of which is  anathema to The Red Devils ethos and their fans. And the way Guardiola plays. His worries less about how many goals are conceded as the trick is finding players that ensures your team scores more goals and wins matches. This season so far Pep has done that and only recently dropped two points following an  unbeaten run of about 14 or more Premier League matches. Reinforcing that thought that Sir Alex had oe night in New York that he was really the best choice for United

If PSG are serious about taking Mourinho they’re over indulging him  and should perhaps phone the Glazers first for a reference.
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Copyright OSM

O'Mahony Looking Wisely Over the Horizon

Peter O’Mahony has been to the mountain top and now at twenty-eight years of age can prioritise his life’s future financial needs with his current IRFU contract approaching renewal. Having captained the Lions, his country, his province and club – and no doubt all his school teams - the time for further sacrifice now must be done in his name; that of his family and his own wishes. That appeal for Ireland can lose its value when the thirty-year mark begins to loom on the horizon. Or the fear that age could nibble away at the physicality of his game and make another contract with Ireland more challenging in future years. With most of last season spent in rehab O’Mahony has had plenty of time to evaluate his career with recent months. No doubt seeing Jamie Heaslip he will also know that injury is a player’s worst worry and at the wrong time can prove costly. Albeit Sean O’Brien has recovered and come good after a number of years in the wilderness.

At the IRFU matters are unambiguous about playing abroad these days. Even in those years where it was not stated policy players could see that national selection was a non-runner. None more so than Leo Cullen whose years at Leicester Tigers only earned him a total of three of his total of thirty- two International caps. Yet back at Leinster he was stalwart for Ireland in the second row. Not unlike his team mate Geordan Murphy who for a long time went unrecognised for Ireland despite being a regular terror for the Tigers in the Premiership. Out of sight was out of mind and a large chunk of Geordie’s caps subsequently came as a sub for international weekends. 

But those have chosen to plough their furrow outside Ireland more recently have done so knowing the rule about no more Irish caps coming their way. So, Martin Moore and Ian Madigan gather experience abroad, but it is deemed of little value to the national set up. Joe Schmidt being the biggest advocate of the rule having seen the success it has brought the All Backs over recent decades. But not unlike Trevor Brennan, O’Mahony might move when his international career ambitions are less of a priority. Or knowing the inevitable waning in power and strength approaches as some the younger blood enters the national team squad.

Clearly, he knows that there will be no more caps playing in England or in France. But it may not matter anymore as his collection silverware is impressive from his days at Cork Constitution, to Munster and Ireland where there are two Six Nations titles, and will no doubt fill his sideboards abroad just as comfortably. With a better chance to grab a European Cup based somewhere in French territory rather than at Munster. Then having led the British and Irish Lions in the first test in July in Auckland he has also reached the pinnacle of personal achievement I the game. 

So, his advisers at Horizon Sports will have helped deliver some attractive alternatives for the future for him to consider that could break the current status quo. It seems very logical that O’Mahony seek a career move as the IRFU structure doesn’t allow for much manoeuvre or ambiguity. Indeed, the only player to break those restrictions was Johnny Sexto and largely because his pay is proffered for the most part by Irish billionaire communications mogul Denis O’Brien. Which is rather unique in the Ireland international setup?

Peter O’Mahony is at the peak of his game and currently injury free. Therefore, it is the correct time to be engaging with clubs around Europe and test those playing opportunities. The vision of Ronan O’Gara would no doubt have enhanced the belief that leaving Ireland is a positive move for Irish rugby players. With Ronan’s progress in the coaching world now about to include Crusaders in New Zealand - following a couple of season in Paris with Racing 92 - proving no doubt inspirational for those at Munster with similar ambition.

Copyrght OSM

Muguruza Beats Venus to Win Wimbledon

Garbine Muguruza beat Venus Williams 7-5, 6-0 to win her first Wimbledon title and second career Grand Slam tournament, having beaten Serena Williams in the final at the 2016 French Open. Muguruza is the first woman to beat both Williams sisters in a Grand Slam final. Muguruza also became the second Spanish woman to win Wimbledon, joining Conchita Martinez, who is serving as her coach for this tournament.

Muguruza became the second Spanish woman to win multiple Grand Slam titles, joining four-time Slam champion Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, who won three French Open titles and a US Open crown. Sanchez-Vicario won three of her four titles before turning 23, winning once more (1998 French). Muguruza is 23 years old, turning 24 in October.

She won this title despite being a 14-seed, the fifth double-digit-seeded woman to win Wimbledon in the Open era, joining Venus Williams (twice), Marion Bartoli and Maria Sharapova. Only Bartoli (15th) and Williams (23rd) were seeded lower than Muguruza.

By beating Williams 6-0 in the second set, Muguruza became just the third woman in the Open era to clinch a Wimbledon title in that fashion. She joins Williams, who did so in 2001, and Petra Kvitova, who did so in 2014.

Venus Williams was thwarted in her bid to become the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam final, and mistakes were her undoing. She committed 25 unforced errors and hit just 17 winners in the match. She was 0-for-3 in break-point opportunities while Muguruza broke Williams' serve four times.

Williams has played 224 completed sets at Wimbledon, including Saturday's final, and this is the first time in her career she's lost a set at the tournament 6-0.

The 14-year age gap between the finalists was the fourth-largest between two women's Grand Slam finalists and the largest since Wimbledon in 1994, when a 22-year-old Martinez defeated 37-year-old Martina Navratilova -- the same Martinez who coached Muguruza this week.

Froome Recovers Lead as Sunweb Take Stage

Following two frenetic days of racing in the Pyrenees, no one would have bet a cent on a change of leadership on Saturday after Stage 14, a rolling 181.5-kilometre (113-mile) ride with no major difficulty.

But a short and steep climb to the finish in the southern town of Rodez was enough for Chris Froome and his mighty Sky team to recover the yellow jersey they lost two days before in the mountains.

The day's big loser was Fabio Aru, the Astana leader, who cracked in the last 500 meters and relinquished the coveted tunic to the three-time champion.

While the Team Sky train hit the front in the technical and twisting final kilometres at high speed, Aru was at the back and didn't come back before the peloton split in the climb. He lost touch with the leaders in the sharp ascent of the Cote de Saint Pierre and crossed the line 25 seconds behind stage winner Michael Matthews.

Froome was well positioned and had no problem tackling the final climb. He finished hot on the heels of Matthews.

"It's a beautiful surprise today," said Froome, who lost his jersey after enduring a bad day on the road to the ski station of Peyragudes.

Froome said he had no explanation for Aru's breakdown. But Astana team director Dmitryi Fofonov said the Italian climber simply paid for his efforts in the previous days.

"He was on his own, isolated," Fofonov said. "We had crosswinds the whole day, we needed to be up front all the time to avoid the splits. Then the finish was explosive, with sprinters climbing very fast. Not Fabio's favorite ground. Today we lost a battle, but not the war."

Froome, who had a six-second deficit at the start of the stage, is enjoying an 18-second advantage over Aru, who is paying for the weakness of his Astana team. The Kazakhstan-funded team lost key member Jakob Fuglsang on Friday after he broke a wrist and elbow, and Aru had not enough teammates to help him stay at the front.

French rider Romain Bardet, the runner-up to Froome last year, limited his losses to five seconds. He is 23 seconds back from the leader, in third place.

In fourth is Rigoberto Uran, who stuck with Froome on the final climb. He trails the Briton by 29 seconds overall.

Froome could hardly believe he won back so much time on a stage that, on paper, didn't seem set up to pose such difficulties for Aru. He thanked his teammates for their essential role in keeping him at the front, allowing him to pounce on the final climb while Aru was stuck.

In the last frenzied dash, Froome said teammate Michal Kwiatowski was urging him on over their radio system, yelling: "Froomey, go, go, go! There are gaps everywhere!"

Froome remained wary, because the top five were still close to each other. He said he'd always expected this Tour to be very open, with its atypical route over all five of France's mountain ranges, a prediction that is coming true, with just 29 seconds separating the top four.

"Everyone is fighting for every second they can get," Froome said. "The time I made up today could be very vital."

Froome has never faced such a close battle at this stage of the race. In the three Tours he won, he had the race all but wrapped up at this point. He had a lead of 1:47 after Stage 14 in 2016, of 3:10 in 2015 and 2:28 in 2013.

Matthews, who beat Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet in the sprint to claim his second stage win at the Tour, said he'd targeted the stage win all year, and trained specifically for the last climb.

He was so assured of victory that he sat up at the end and cruised over the line. "I've been dreaming of winning like that since I started cycling," he said. "I could sit up and enjoy the win in the Tour de France."

It was the second consecutive win for the Sunweb team, after Warren Barguil's victory on Friday, Bastille Day.

The stage on Sunday will lead the peloton to Le Puy-en-Velay in Massif Central during a spectacular 189.5-kilometer (118-mile) ride on rolling terrain with four climbs that could offer more surprises. But Sky promised they won't be caught off guard.

Froome's teammate, Luke Rowe, said the British squad riders were "very disappointed" when the team leader relinquished the yellow jersey to Aru in the Pyrenees, having worn it for seven days.

"He won't do it again," Rowe said.

#letour 

Porte and Thomas Crash Enroute to Chambery

An eventful stage 9 of the 104th Tour de France saw the victory of Colombia's Rigoberto Uran in Chambéry after a fierce battle in three Hors-Category climbs. In a 6-man sprint including yellow jersey holder Chris Froome, the Cannondale-Drapac rider took his revenge over Frenchman Warren Barguil who deprived him of a highly awaited success in stage 16 of the 2013 Vuelta a España at Aramon-Formigal. Robert Gesink, Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte successively abandoned after different falls.

193 riders started stage 9 in Nantua. As Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) was the first man to attack right after the flag off up the first hill of the day, stage 8 runner up Robert Gesink (LottoNL-Jumbo) and Manuele Mori (UAE Team Emirates) were forced to abandon the Tour de France after crashing. A leading group of 40 riders was formed after the côte des Noyelles at km 5. It enabled Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) to crest the first two climbs of the day in the first position. After losing Eduardo Sepulveda (Fortuneo-Oscaro) in a crash at km 17, the front group was made of Jan Bakelants, Axel Domont and Alexis Vuillermoz (AG2R-La Mondiale), Jesus Herrada and Carlos Betancur (Movistar), Bauke Mollema and Jarlinson Pantano (Trek-Segafredo), Alessandro De Marchi and Amaël Moinard (BMC), Bakhtiar Kozhatayev and Alexey Lutsenko (Astana), Kristjian Durasek and Vegard Stake Laengen (UAE), Thibaut Pinot (FDJ), Michael Albasini (Orica-Scott), Zdenek Stybar (Quick-Step Floors), Pawel Poljanski (Bora-Hansgrohe), Robert Kiserlovski and Tiago Machado (Katusha-Alpecin), Tiejs Benoot, Thomas De Gendt, Tony Gallopin and Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal), Michael Matthews, Nikias Arndt, Warren Barguil, Simon Geschke and Laurens ten Dam (Sunweb), Nicolas Edet and Dani Navarro (Cofidis), Primoz Roglic (LottoNL-Jumbo), Thomas Voeckler and Sylvain Chavanel (Direct Energie), Pierre Rolland and Dylan Van Baarle (Cannondale-Drapac), Tsgabu Grmay and Javier Moreno (Bahrain-Merida), Brice Feillu and Pierre-Luc Périchon (Fortuneo-Oscaro).

The 39-man leading pack started the first Hors-Category climb of the 104th Tour de France with an advantage of four minutes over the bunch led by Team Sky. Roglic crested the col de la Biche in first position. The three AG2R-La Mondiale riders split the group into pieces in the descent before Geraint Thomas (Sky) crashed in the peloton and abandoned with a broken collarbone. Alexis Vuillermoz (AG2R-La Mondiale), Jarlinson Pantano (Trek-Segafredo), Tiejs Benoot (Lotto-Soudal) and Warren Barguil (Sunweb) rode away up the Grand Colombier. Barguil was first at the summit six minutes before the yellow jersey group and a 12-man group was reunited in the valley on the way to the Mont du Chat. They passed the intermediate sprint at km 126.5 in the following order: Matthews, Bakelants, Gallopin, Geschke, Benoot, Roglic, Mollema, Barguil, Navarro, Pantano, Vuillermoz and Betancur.

Bakelants and Gallopin went on after the sprint and rode as a duo to the Mont du Chat. Gallopin soloed with 33km to go at the beginning of the climb but Barguil passed him 6km before the summit. The Frenchman from Sunweb also crested Mont du Chat alone in the lead but got caught at the end of the downhill by Romain Bardet (AG2R-La Mondiale) who rode away from the yellow jersey group after Richie Porte (BMC) badly crashed and abandoned the Tour de France. Bardet was alone at the front from 12 to 2km to go but five riders came across to him. Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) launched the sprint from far out to repeat the victory he got after climbing the Mont du Chat at the Critérium du Dauphiné but Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) and Barguil passed him. Uran, aged 30, was declared a Tour de France stage winner for the first time in this very tight finish.

#letour