Chelsea must be ready for Jose Mourinho to come out with ambition for a win
By George Perry
Jose Mourinho may not know how to stay at one club for more than three years, but he sure knows how to win for that limited spell. Chelsea must be ready for Mourinho to pursue all three points with vengeful vigour on Sunday.
If it was any other club with any other manager, Chelsea fans might be able to sympathize with Manchester United. Only clubs with a full trophy case labour under the expectations that accompany their ambition. In other words, you can sit this one out if you’re a north Londoner.
Mourinho led Manchester United to the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield last season. They finished sixth in the Premier League, though – five places below standard and only qualifying for the Champions League by virtue of winning the Europa League. This season, United and Chelsea are both alive in the Champions League, battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League and in the hunt for the FA Cup. But because the league title is out of reach and the clubs are the way they are, neither manager has peace.
Jose Mourinho at least has a contract extension through 2021. But like any Premier League managerial contract, the early-termination clauses are the most valuable and useful paragraphs. If United do not finish in the top-four this season, Mourinho may be wondering if he will last long enough for the three-year itch.
Mourinho thoroughly won the tactical battle in this fixture last season, with United prevailing 2-0 in matchweek 33. United lined up in a 3-5-2 for only the second time in the season, and were up 1-0 through Marcus Rashford in the 7′. It was the first time all season United had scored at home before the 21′.
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United attacked Chelsea from the opening kick-off, and the early goal was surprising but deserved. Mourinho’s men continued to press and Chelsea spent the day tottering on their back-foot as Mourinho gave Old Trafford a sight they thought they may never see again: classic Manchester United football. United took away any hope or possibility of Eden Hazard creating a moment of magic or Diego Costa barreling his way towards goal. Mourinho kept his foot on the pedal the whole game, and never even bothered to park the bus.
Manchester United played classic Mourinho-ball against Sevilla midweek in the Champions League. But last season’s fixture is a better indication of how they will play against Chelsea. Neither club can play for a draw, hoping to poach three points at the death but content if it ends with one point apiece. With four points separating second place from fifth, there is no caution in a draw. Both teams need three points far more than they need one, and Tottenham and Liverpool are ready to strike if the two rivals split the proceeds on Sunday.
United’s Champions League draw satisfied them more than Chelsea’s did. United played for the scoreless draw away from home, and left with exactly that. Chelsea went for the win, and nearly made it. However, Chelsea’s play against Barcelona was far better preparation for this Premier League clash, both in terms of tactics and momentum.
The Blues will need to treat this fixture as a final. They cannot count on United sitting back and absorbing pressure, allowing Chelsea to ease their way into the game. Both managers need the win for their season and potentially their jobs.
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Antonio Conte has never played for a draw in his life, and he looked happier in this week’s press conference than he has in some time. He lives for moment like this, as do Chelsea.