Sam Launay

A moment that is worth watching. In the midst of so many basic questions that are asked to José Mourinho (and most coaches) on a weekly basis, the journalist of a smaller media outlet [Bola na Rede] asked the following question: "Mr, you already highlighted your game plan of attracting Napoli's pressure to then be able to explore the space in behind, I wanted to ask you about the build-up. What was the importance of Barrenechea [CDM] dropping wide and playing facing towards the opposition, and then Aursnes moving wide in the other side? How important was that in the build-up?" Mourinho: "You know your football. Well done, you know your football... Maybe they'll get you to substitute one of the other 'know it alls' that don't actually know anything. Great question." "Our CDM's wide positioning caused them trouble because they only had 2 midfielders, Elmas and McTominay, so if they pressed we would have more space in the middle, and if they didn't press, Enzo would have time on the ball."

Even with goalkeepers, you can see the detail in the action. He realizes he can’t intercept and reacts by stepping back, then times perfectly when to stop retreating, keeps his body weight forward, and jumps to make an incredible save.

Only those who read books regularly will understand this feeling.

It’s 30 years since Dean Windass scored one of the Greatest Goals in Football League History. Goodness me. He should have been top 3 in the Ballon d’Or for this.

😮‍💨

There’s not a single goalkeeper ever who would make me feel as comfortable as Ederson with the ball at his feet. But this is what a goalkeeper is for, and with all due respect, we’ve never had this level before.