A strategy usually relegated to smaller teams trying to stage an upset (or the Italian national team too lazy find talent on offense), Mourinho has imposed the style on Real Madrid, which has generated great backlash against the Portuguese coach.
The strategic choice is most notable in the games against Barcelona. Madrid gives up possession to the Catalan team, then tries to use the speed of players like Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria to get an advantage on the counterattack.
On most instances the strategy works, as teams suddenly get confident and push forward until Real Madrid decides to attack. At that point, few of the teams have defenses talented enough to stop the dynamic real Madrid players.
Outside of El Clasico, where it sometimes degenerates into both teams hitting and diving, the strategy has been unstoppable, but is it the right one?
Ultimately what matters is winning, be it by counterattack, possession, hitting, grit, etc. But a roster like Real Madrid is made to shine and amaze, not to surprise.
Perhaps Mourinho could get away with this strategy if he were winning, but Real Madrid finds itself in the shadow of Barcelona for the foreseeable future, and seems destined to finish second more often than not. It's not its fault, having one of the best teams ever to play in front of it.
Then, knowing the team may not win it all, and considering the money being invested, why not dedicate the roster to a more pleasing style? Why not risk with an attacking formation and allow for a fun match, even if it doesn't end in victory?
For now we are exposed to a Madrid team that finds itself losing badly: violently and with less than 30 percent of the possession. The team, and its fans, deserve better.
For more sports news, visit Terra.com
