El Clásico: Can Jose Mourinho Outsmart Pep Guardiola?
March 25, 2011
The Champions League draw in Nyon, Switzerland has sprung out a possible two-legged semifinal affair between the Galácticos and the Catalans—in addition to two duels between the two in April, a cup final and a league game at the Bernabeu.
Before we can really start talking about a possibility of a Spanish duel, Barcelona has to tackle the tricky Ukrainians. They are likely to give Barcelona a tough time, especially at Donetsk. Before the draw, Pep had specifically mentioned Shakhtar Donetsk as the dark horse of the Champions League—a team he wanted to avoid.
On the other hand, a much tougher challenge awaits Jose Mourinho. Tottenham are no mugs when it comes to winning big games and their Italian job was mere proof. They overcame the European Champions at White Hart Lane and displayed aggression and defensive qualities in their last-16 tie against AC Milan.
So, speculating that the La Liga giants can overcome the Londoners, we have a treat on our hands.
Jose Mourinho has never won against Barcelona at Camp Nou. But he's had the prestige of knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League with both Chelsea and Inter Milan. Having said that, we all know about Jose Mourinho—a class act—and the UEFA Champions League is his stage.
Real Madrid's star-studded lineup, however, depicts a different challenge altogether.
First, Barcelona know Real Madrid inside out. They have played just once against Real Madrid this season, but being in the same league gives them the opportunity to scrutinize their title challengers more closely.
Secondly, Jose Mourinho does not have the same luxury that he had with Inter: a keeper on top of his game, Maicon and Cambiasso. To beat this Barcelona side, Mourinho cannot rely on this side to defend for 90 minutes and hit on the break when an opportunity arises. He does not have a Samuel Eto'o, who's equally good with his defensive qualities.
Barcelona, however, do not have a Plan B. This was something Mourinho exploited in the Champions League with Inter last season and can again use to his advantage. Cut the passes, pack the midfield and Barcelona have no where to go.
Mourinho's strength and fame lies in his ability to foresee the opposition's tactics and plan accordingly. His triumph with FC Porto was no fluke and his second Champions League win came after defeating the three champions, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Calling the odds on this one would be tricky...and we might actually see different tactics employed by both managers. The winner, of course, goes to London, Pep's favorite destination.
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