José Mourinho, who takes Manchester United to west London on Sunday, seems to have been affected by his final half-season at Chelsea more than he probably wants to let onIt was no doubt a relief to everybody at Chelsea, presumably, that when José Mourinho was asked where it had all gone wrong he referred to a Portuguese saying – não lavo roupa suja em público – and explained, possibly with his fingers crossed beneath the table, that it meant he would never wash his dirty linen in public when it came to his former clubs.True, it jarred slightly with his introduction at Chelsea, the second time, when he led a group of football writers into the boardroom at Stamford Bridge...
After a commanding performance against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, the midfielder will be urged by José Mourinho to make his mark against ChelseaManchester United are still looking for a first league win in October, and go to Stamford Bridge a couple of places behind Chelsea in the table, though at least José Mourinho can turn up at his old club with the satisfaction of having steadied the ship at his new one.Granted, United have been less than imperious thus far, whichever combination of players they have used. Not all of their summer signings have impressed and some of the football has been reminiscent of the long afternoons that brought an early end to Louis van Gaal and his three-year...
The Italian is putting his own stamp on affairs at Stamford Bridge and showing signs of moving the club away from the influence his predecessor heldFor a manager who is commonly thought to be incapable of building a dynasty José Mourinho left a remarkably durable legacy in his first spell at Chelsea. Neither party, it seemed, could ever quite let go. Even as late as 2012-13 Mourinho was referring to Chelsea’s squad as “my players” which, to an extent, they were. Related: Antonio Conte at a loss to explain why N’Golo Kanté left Leicester Continue reading...
With the top-flight back in action this weekend, we take a look at the top seven’s strengths, weaknesses, squad depth and key players before asking whether they have got what it takes to win the leagueThe Premier League is back after the international break and, following a breathless start to the season, we assess the top seven sides in the league in search for clues as to which side will lift the trophy come May. Manchester City are the early pacesetters but their defeat at Tottenham Hotspur have given the rest of the clubs hope. It is also worth remembering that seven games into last season, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United were top, West Ham United third and eventual winners...
From Danny Blanchflower to Brendan Rodgers, via some more successful bows, six managers and their noteworthy first games in chargeIf ever a man seemed destined for management, it was Danny Blanchflower. He was an inspiration on the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur from the moment he replaced Alf Ramsey as captain, running the game from midfield with exceptional intelligence and leading them to the double in 1961. Spurs’ manager, Bill Nicholson, happily admitted that Blanchflower was free to orchestrate play as he saw fit, and Blanchflower’s vision was beautiful – “the game is about glory”, after all. Continue reading...