Jose Mourinho’s detailed scouting report on Barcelona’s 2005/06 side is unreal.
Manager Jose Mourinho and his student Andre Villas-Boas prepared a detailed report on Barcelona’s 2005/06 before playing them in the Champions League Round of 16.
The usage of performance analysis has swelled over the last few years. It is coming as an aid for the players and staffs to read about the opponents and adjust their tactics accordingly. Football fans now have the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look into the Special One’s management.
Check out some of the highlights below.
Mourinho and Villas-Boas looking at Carles Puyol: “Aggressive, but very emotional. Gets crazy with the referee in fouls against him and goes mad in provocations. Aggressive defender, plays in anticipation using [his] body.
“Bad positional sense (comes to midfield with striker) and bad leadership of defence (wants to do offside when it’s not possible). Because he uses his body strength to regain possession, we can provocate contacts in the final third or outside the box. Good heading ability and power.”
Mourinho and Villas-Boas looking at Andrés Iniesta: “Always comes on from the bench. Very dynamic player. Great radius of action. Speed of movement and speed of execution. Tricky player.”
Mourinho and Villas-Boas looking at Ronaldinho: “Technical quality to avoid defender on first touch. When opened receives the ball and the attacks full-back 1 vs 1 (inside to shoot or outside to cross).
“Much more dangerous when provocating spaces inside (between lines) from those positions forces a central defender out and then with a pen. Pass releases Messi, Eto’o or the penetrating midfielder. Very poor defensive transition and defensive work — exploit. Constant cheater — falls easily.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid manager was well aware of the threat posed by Lionel Messi, too, who had broken into Barcelona’s senior team back in 2004.
Mourinho and Villas-Boas looking at Messi: “Quality + speed, but very left footed. Exactly the same behaviours as Ronaldinho. Inside between lines or diagonals. Encourages team forward by ball driving. Amazing 1 vs 1. If option is to foul him, it’s important to do it outside the box and as early as possible. [Has] recovered from an injury recently.”
Jose Mourinho is currently unemployed, while Andre Villas-Boas is managing Marseille.
