Mourinho’s third-season critics: Are they right or wrong

Considering his trophies and achievements, Manchester United manager José Mourinho is definitely one of the best managers in the world, though, his man-management ability has left so much to be desired.

Recently, there are some criticisms level against the Portuguese manager. Football lovers and followers — especially Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City fans — continue to emphasize on the same controversial issue.

What’s the criticism all about?

It is believed that the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager often demand too much from his players and that has made many football players, fans and pundits criticise and question his competence to lead big clubs for a very long time.

They also go further by saying Mourinho can only deliver trophies in his first two seasons at any club as things always turn from good to bad for the Portuguese manager.

How true is this criticism?

As much as it sounds ridiculous, it seems to be true and not just a baseless criticism. Here are some stats that backed up the fact that Mourinho is a manager who struggles after two seasons.

Real Madrid

In his first season at Santiago Bernabeu in the 2010-11 season, the 55-year-old manager had great relationships with his players who were happy playing under him.

His bond with his men played a crucial role in their triumph at the Copa del Rey competition where they defeated Barcelona in the final match.

His victory over Madrid’s greatest rivals was well appreciated by his players who were constantly eager to virtually win everything with the manager.

In his second season, Mourinho led the Galacticos to the La Liga trophy at the expense of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

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The Portuguese made it two trophies in the 2012-13 season as he lifted the Supercopa de España trophy.

Just has said by his critics, Mourinho’s third season at the Spanish capital was a total disaster.

He wasn’t just unable to win any trophy, he equally had different off-pitch issues with his players and employers.

Pepe, Casillas, Ronaldo, Ramos were all at loggerheads with the Portuguese manager and His unhealthy relationship with his players was the major reason Florentino Perez decided to part way with the boss.

Chelsea

His first season at Stamford Bridge was as good as his start to Madrid’s career, helping the Blues to a League Cup glory after defeating Liverpool by 3-2 in the 2004-05 season.

He followed that up with a Premier League title in his second season at Stamford Bridge.

In his third season, his players became tired and unhappy with his defensive style of play which made them appear more fatigue and uninspired to play for him.

He couldn’t win anything with the team and he was eventually sacked by Roman Abramovich.

Manchester United

The Portuguese became the Red Devils manager prior to the start of the 2016-17 season after leaving Chelsea, where he failed to live up to expectations in the 2015-16 season.

His first season was a great one as he won two trophies —FA Cup and Europa League Cup.

His second season wasn’t as successful as the first term, but he managed to finish the season in the second position behind Manchester City.

This season, his third at Old Trafford, has been a bad one for him so far as he currently sits seventh on the table.

He is presently experiencing what his critics have termed ‘Mourinho’s third-season syndrome’ as things are not going well with his team.

In a way to change such unwanted record, the Portuguese manager has changed from being a defend-minded manager to attack-minded tactician.

That isn’t enough, he must learn to appreciate his players and not criticise them openly just as he did after their goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.