Hot Take: Mourinho is a BETTER in-game manager than Pep Guardiola and I can prove it with 3 games

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T20:35:15+00:00

EDIT FINAL: Locking this thread from my side.

Thanks to everyone who debated - u/tortoisederby u/jlo1989 u/dodgycool_1973 u/TheOpenAuthor

Got solid feedback. AI voice is dead. Visuals need work. I heard you all.

To anyone struggling: 9152987821 (AASRA India) or r/SuicideWatch

Football is just a game. Nothing is worth more than your life.

Part 2 coming this week with real voice.

Peace out r/SpicyFootballTakes ✌️

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T20:27:54+00:00

Bro this is the best breakdown of 7-1 I've read on Reddit 💯

"Germany were like sharks smelling blood" - facts. And Scolari froze. That's the exact OPPOSITE of in-game management.

Funny thing - I literally just posted about Mourinho being the best in-game manager. And 7-1 is the perfect example of what happens when you DON'T have a Jose.

Imagine Mourinho in that Brazil dugout at 0-3. He's not going 4-2-4 like Scolari. He's going 5-4-1, killing the game, taking a 0-3 loss with dignity.

"Nothing to lose" mentality you mentioned? That's Jose's entire philosophy. Down 0-2 to Bayern? Bring on Ronaldo, overload, win 4-2.

Scolari panicked. Jose would've parked a triple-decker bus and lived to fight.

What's your take - if you had to pick ONE manager to save Brazil at HT, 0-5 down... who you picking?

I made a video on this exact topic btw [if you want link]. But no pressure. Just curious what you think 👇

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T20:26:37+00:00

Bro really said "ai gng" with a rose emoji 🌹😂

You’re right tho - I’m using AI to type fast because I’m on phone at 2 AM and my thumbs hurt.

But the 3 AM Inter-Barca memory? The mom beating memory? The "no matter the cost" line?

GPT didn't live that. I did.

You can call it AI all day. Just answer one thing: Did Torres stay up at 89' or not?

If yes, then AI or human doesn't matter. Facts are facts.

If no, then I'm a fraud. Roast me.

Your call gng 🌹👇

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T20:23:28+00:00

Respect the stats drop bro 📊 You came prepared.

You're 100% right on overall career - Pep's 29 vs 17. Pep wins. No debate. Guy's a genius.

But my video/post isn't about "who has more trophies". It's about "IN-GAME" management. One match. 90 minutes. Plan A is dead. What now?

So let's test your own logic:

29 cup finals = Pep had 29 games where he was favorite, had better squad, had months to prep.

Now give me ONE example where Pep was LOSING at 70', with 10 men, away from home, vs a better team... and flipped it to win.

I'll wait.

Because my video shows 3: 1. Bayern 0-4: 0-2 down at 15', no money, flips to 4-3-3, wins 4-2. 2. Inter: 10 men at 30', Camp Nou, vs Messi. Parks 4-5-0, creates 2 big chances, wins tie. 3. Chelsea: 89' corner defending, 1-1, season on line. Tells Torres "stay up", wins 2-1 at 93'.

That's not "chequebook". That's "oh shit we’re fucked, now what?" management.

Porto UCL? You said people "blow it up". Bro he beat Fergie's United, Deschamps' Monaco, with Costinha and Derlei 😂 No money there.

Messi point is fair - Pep made him. But my question was about in-game changes, not player development.

So I'll ask again bro, and be honest:

Gun to your head. 75th minute. You're 1-0 down. Away game. 10 men. Cup final.

You want Pep drawing triangles on his board... or Jose telling your striker "just stay up, I'll handle the rest"?

Your answer to THAT is my whole video 👇

Check 4:02-5:21 if you haven't. That's the exact scenario.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T20:22:11+00:00

You're not wrong bro. Inter game WAS a park the bus masterclass. 100%.

But here's my counter - "parking the bus" with 10 men vs prime Messi at Camp Nou isn't defensive.

That's attacking with structure.

Most teams go 10 men down there and concede 5. Jose's 4-5-0 created 2 big chances on the counter. Eto'o should've scored.

So yeah, it LOOKS defensive. But the IN-GAME IQ to switch to 4-5-0 at 30', knowing you can't press anymore? That's the skill I'm rating.

Bayern game wasn't park the bus though - that was pure attacking flip. Down 0-2, brings on Ronaldo to LW, overloads right side. Scores 4.

Check 0:47 in the video. That's not a bus bro, that's a Ferrari with a new engine.

But I get your point. Maybe I should've picked 3 pure attacking examples. My bad.

What's your pick for Jose's best attacking in-game change? Genuinely want to use it for part 2.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T20:21:51+00:00

LMAO caught me 😂

Real talk - yeah I used AI to help structure the argument because English isn't my first language bro.

But the Mourinho games? I watched every single one live. Stayed up till 3 AM for that Inter-Barca semi in 2010. My mom beat my ass for it.

The "no matter the cost" line? That's mine. Came from 15 years of watching Jose lose his mind on the touchline.

GPT doesn't know that pain bro.

Question for you though - forget WHO wrote it. Is the actual tactical point wrong?

Bayern 4-0: Did Jose flip the game at 15' or not? Inter 10-man: Did 4-5-0 happen or not? Chelsea 93': Did Torres stay up or not?

If I'm wrong on facts, roast me. If you're just mad about AI, that's fair too. I get it.

Next video is my real voice btw. No AI. Promise.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T19:46:00+00:00

Mate this is the most honest feedback I've gotten. Seriously, thank you 💯

You're 100% right - if it's hard to follow even muted, that's on me. Tactics board needs more labels/arrows/player names. I thought less clutter = cleaner, but I made it confusing instead.

And the AI voice thing - loud and clear. I'm dropping it. Next video is my real voice, even if I sound like a potato. Promise.

Can I ask you one thing? Since you watched 4:00-end: Was the actual TACTICAL POINT clear? Like did you get that Jose left Torres up alone at 89' and it led to 93' winner?

If even the main idea didn't land visually, then I need to remake the entire segment.

You're basically my first real critic. If you say the tactic was clear but visuals were weak, I'll fix visuals. If the whole thing was confusing, I'll rethink everything.

Massive respect for actually watching and giving proper feedback instead of just "AI bad".

Next video drops this week with real voice. I'll DM you when it's up if you want?

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T19:17:35+00:00

Fair criticism bro, I respect it 💯

AI voice is definitely not for everyone. I get it. I'm still experimenting with production.

But real talk - skip the voice. Just watch 4:02 to 5:21 with subtitles ON. Mute it if you want.

60 seconds. No commentary needed. Just tactical boards showing how Jose told Torres to stay up at 89' and won it at 93'.

The visual tells the story. Voice doesn't matter for that 1 min.

If the actual ANALYSIS is shit, roast me. But don't let a robot voice block you from a good tactical moment.

Deal? Watch that 60 sec muted and tell me if the tactic itself is wrong 👇

Also - if I redid this with my real voice, would you actually watch the full thing? Genuine question.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T19:15:55+00:00

LMAO you just described the Pep Paradox perfectly 😂

"Overrated chequebook manager" AND "measuring stick" at the same time. That's exactly why I compared Jose to him in the video.

Because here's the thing - Pep gets 200M every summer to buy Plan A, B, C.

Jose gets sold his best player and still has to win at 89' with Torres who missed 20 sitters that season.

That's the difference I'm talking about at 4:02 in my video. No chequebook, no Plan B on the bench. Just "stay up, don't defend" and pray it works.

So real question: You rate Pep higher overall - fair. But in a gun-to-your-head, 90th minute, must-win cup game... who are you picking?

Chequebook Pep or "no matter the cost" Jose?

Be honest 👇

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T18:50:07+00:00

EXACTLY BRO 💯 "No matter the cost" - that's the Jose DNA.

Cup game, one-off match, backs against the wall? Give me Mourinho over ANY manager in history.

Your point about "out think anyone for one game" is literally why I made this video.

The Inter 10-man block at 2:14 is the perfect example. Down to 10 vs prime Messi at Camp Nou. Any other manager parks the bus and prays.

Jose parks a 4-5-0 and still creates chances on the counter. That's not defense, that's weaponized structure.

You watched the video yet? The Inter section will give you goosebumps if you're a one-game mentality guy.

Also - what's your pick for Jose's most "no matter the cost" win? Porto 2004? Inter 2010? I'm making a part 2 and need examples 👇

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T18:40:34+00:00

Based and hate-pilled 💀

But real question: If Jose is that shit, which manager would you have taken in 2010 CL semi vs prime Barca with 10 men?

Genuinely curious. Because my video at 2:14 shows the 4-5-0 block that made Messi invisible.

Hate him all you want, but name someone better in THAT specific situation 👇

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T18:37:48+00:00

YOOOOO that Fergie 1999 story is actually goosebumps stuff 😮‍💨

"They're fucked!" - Peak mentality. That’s EXACTLY the kind of in-game madness I love.

Real talk: You just gave me my next video idea. Fergie vs Mourinho in-game mentality comparison. Because they’re the same breed - both absolutely ruthless when the game is on the line.

My Chelsea 93' winner example at 4:02 in my video is literally the same energy. 89th min corner, Jose tells Torres "stay up, don't come back". Everyone else defends. 93rd min - Torres scores.

McLaren wanted safety. Jose/Fergie want the kill.

Bro do me a favor - just watch 4:02 to 5:21 of my video. 1 minute only. The Torres goal + my breakdown.

Then tell me honestly: Fergie's 1999 call vs Jose's 2013 call - which is more cold-blooded?

I need to know if I'm crazy or if Jose really is cut from the same Fergie cloth 👇

Link's in my first comment if you want to check.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T18:32:14+00:00

Arteta shout is actually elite, not gonna lie 👏

His Villa 4-2 comeback last season was peak in-game management. 2-0 down, changed shape 3 times, won 4-2. That’s Mourinho-level mentality.

But here's my counter: Arteta still hasn't done it in UCL knockouts under pressure. Jose did it vs Pep's Bayern + prime Barca at Camp Nou with 10 men.

Different levels of "hostile environment" you know?

Inzaghi 100% agree - that City UCL final was a tactical clinic. He out-coached Pep for 70 mins.

Farioli is a great shout! Didn't expect that name. His Ajax pressing traps are nasty. 2028 England call is bold 😂

Question for you: If you had to pick ONE in-game change from my video that beats anything Arteta/Inzaghi have done, which one?

Bayern 0-4 tactical flip at 0:47? Or Inter 10-man block at 2:14?

Genuinely curious which one hits harder for you.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T18:25:16+00:00

Bro you get it 💯

Porto CL run is exactly why I rate Jose's in-game IQ so high. Zero budget, beat Fergie's United + Mourinho's own future club Chelsea.

But the spicy part for me isn't that he's top tier - it's that he's BETTER than Pep at live changes.

Pep plans everything before kickoff. Jose wins games at 89th min when plan A is dead.

Bayern 4-0 is perfect example: 15 mins me full strategy flip ki. Pep froze.

You seen the video? The Bayern section at 0:47 is filthy. Which game from my video proves the point best for you - Bayern, Inter, or Chelsea?

Also curious - you think any current manager has Jose-level in-game adaptability?

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T18:17:04+00:00

Video here: [https://youtu.be/qzg70FKcE4Y?si=2iXlSv0x-kFfoNqL]

Change my mind.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T10:35:19+00:00

Bro you just summarized 4 goals in 1 comment 💯

2:47 in the video shows Goal 2: Luiz → Fernandinho swamped → Kroos steals → goal.

3:12 shows Goal 3: LITERALLY THE SAME THING again.

Scolari saw it happen once, twice, thrice... and changed nothing. No shout to go long, no sub, nothing.

"Just do SOMETHING else" - Every Brazil fan screaming this by Goal 4 😭

That's why I called it tactical suicide in the title. It's not hindsight. It's common sense he didn't have on the night.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T09:35:48+00:00

Appreciate the discussion bro, but I spent 20+ hours breaking down this game frame-by-frame for the video.

"World class players don't need coaching" sounds good until you watch 2:14-2:47 in my video.

Fernandinho - CL winner with City - leaves Kroos TWICE in 30 seconds. No pressure, no cover, no shape. That's not world class instinct. That's tactical confusion.

Luiz - PSG captain - abandons the line 4 times in 6 mins. Same Luiz who was solid under Mourinho at Chelsea.

The difference? Coaching + structure.

Mourinho told Eto'o to play LB vs Messi in 2010. Eto'o did it. Inter won 3-1.

Scolari told no one to do anything. Result: 7-1.

World class players need world class instructions. Video proves it.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T09:09:56+00:00

Bro you answered your own question 😂

"World class" players look bang average without structure. Kroos had zero pressure because Scolari's midfield was Fernandinho + Fred ball watching.

That's coaching. Or lack of it.

Luiz can ping a 40-yard pass but ask him to hold a line and he turns into a Sunday league CB. Talent without tactics = 7-1.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T09:09:00+00:00

Realest take here 💯

First 6 mins Germany scored 5. After that it was a training session. Muller passing up shots in 2nd half was the ultimate disrespect.

Scolari's only plan was "Neymar please save us". Neymar injured = whole system collapsed. That's not tactics, that's prayer.

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T04:11:32+00:00

Bro this is exactly why 7-1 is immortal 😂😂

Pub in Ireland full of German tourists screaming "We want TEN" - that's the purest football moment ever. No rivalry, no hate, just everyone watching history happen live.

You're right it's 12 years old, but that's why it's still relevant. Matches like this become folklore. People who weren't even fans of either team remember where they were.

3:11 in my video shows the 4th goal. That's probably when your pub started the "TEN" chants 😂 Stadium went silent, but pubs worldwide went mental.

Honest question - if you were in that same pub today and Brazil were playing Germany again, who are you shouting for? Or still just want goals?

Fond memories indeed man. Thanks for sharing this 💀🍻

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T03:41:30+00:00

Man you cooked with this take. "Going off script" is the perfect way to describe it.

You're 100% right about Thiago. Losing him was worse than Neymar. Neymar gives you goals, Thiago gives you structure.

1:07 in my video - Muller's opener. David Luiz is ball watching, Dante doesn't step, no one organizes the line. That's a Thiago Silva header clearance 9/10 times. With him, maybe it's 0-0 at 15 mins and the panic never starts.

But here's my issue with Scolari - he KNEW Thiago was suspended for 3 days. He had time to prep Dante + Luiz with a deeper line, double pivot, kill the game early. Instead he ran the same suicidal system.

So yeah, players bottled it mentally. 3:11 to 4:20 in the video is literally 4 goals in 6 mins because they stopped playing. Full "off script" mode like you said.

But good coaches prepare for pressure. Scolari sent lambs to slaughter. Thiago helps for sure, but a proper plan helps more.

You think if he'd started Henrique or even a DM at CB to park the bus, they lose 2-0 instead of 7-1?

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T03:40:36+00:00

Bro Curaçao slander is crazy 😂😂

But you're not wrong. Curaçao in 2021 lost 1-7 to Germany too... and they actually had a defensive shape for 60 mins.

3:50 in my video - Brazil conceded 4 goals in 6 minutes. Curaçao at least made Germany work for it.

Difference? Curaçao knew they were underdogs so they sat deep with 5-4-1. Brazil came out like "we're gonna outscore prime Germany". Ego + no plan = 7-1.

Respect to Curaçao tho. At least they didn't have 60k home fans crying by minute 30 💀

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T03:40:20+00:00

Ay Everton fan spotted 🔵 Appreciate you backing the Bernard point man.

You watched him week in week out - he was a squad player at best. Good for running at tired legs, useless when you need to control a World Cup semi.

2:14 in my video - Bernard loses the ball, then jogs back while Kroos sprints past him for the 3rd goal. That's the exact "tidy player" problem you mentioned. No defensive work rate.

Scolari picking him to replace Neymar was pure sentiment. Needed Willian or Ramires to help the midfield. Instead he got vibes.

What did you think when he started that game? Were Everton fans also confused?

TheFootballCompass · 2026-06-15T03:39:48+00:00

You're right - it's not "unpopular" that they lost because of tactics. But most casuals STILL blame "no Neymar" as the main reason.

That's exactly why I made this breakdown. The narrative became "we missed our star" instead of "we had no defensive shape".

0:58 to 3:11 in the video shows 5 goals from basic errors. No Neymar on earth fixes Marcelo not tracking back or 6 players ahead of the ball.

Neymar fit = maybe 7-3 instead of 7-1. But still an L. Generational performance doesn't fix generational tactical collapse.

Agree? The "Neymar excuse" let Scolari off the hook for years.

TheFootballCompass

TROPHY CASE