Originally Posted by Jim De Ville:
“Which he hasn't done once, at United.
I'm sadly not surprised by the amount of people taking the ultra-simplistic, and incorrect, view that Mourinho decided to 'park the bus', at Liverpool.
Anyone who listened to what he said, watched the game, and knows anything about football, would have seen the tactics deployed for what they were.
When Liverpool had the ball, United were positionally disciplined but were on the front foot, trying to win the ball. There were various references in commentary to the amount of times United were winning 'second balls'. They weren't winning the ball, and then just hoofing it upfield.
When United had the ball, they attacked. Not 'all out', not with complete abandonment, but they probed, and put together some decent moves. It didn't come to much, because Liverpool were also fairly cautious, and defended well.
At the point where Lallana replaced Sturridge, Liverpool's play was more fluid and dangerous. At that point, with the pacey Rashford having to be withdrawn due to cramp, Mourinho took the pragmatic decision to settle for a point. It wasn't his original plan, but circumstances dictated that it was the sensible decision.
Of course, it's much easier to just trot out the 'parked the bus' clichés, but it's also wrong.”
Don't forget about the chance that Ibra had, he puts that y, and we come away happy as Larry (whomever he was), and 1-0 victors.
It was that close to the perfect gameplan.
If Pep can still get praise from getting thrashed 4-0, then it is amazing to think José got stick for achieving a far better scoreline, and coming away with something.
Sometimes I guess people just wish to see something, that even when it is not there, they still say that it is.
We played very well at Anfield, and if anything were the better team outfit, we tried to be on the front foot, but injuries, and the situation of the match dictated that retreat was the better part of valour, so to speak.
Instead of criticism, we should be getting praise for that sort of performance, but alas some people can only see in black or white.