Sun Tzu & Mourinho's Manchester Experience
Liam Shannon
Author of "Sun Tzu Soccer: The Art of War in Soccer Language & Scenarios" | Coach | Logistics
Thanks to Sun Tzu we have relevant 2400-year-old explanations of Jose's time, and decline, at Old Trafford.
Two of the main reasons The Art of War is still so highly revered 2400 years after its composition is its multitude of applications, and the sophistication of its simplicity. In application, Sun Tzu Soccer (c) has utilized The Art of War theories directly to the game of soccer. In the process the treatise has maintained ease of assimilation for the reader.
Following Jose Mourinho's early departure from Manchester United today, I have complied below the relevant principles from Sun Tzu Soccer offering explanations, and in some cases merely statements, of the issues plaguing Mourinho's tenure.
- THE WRONG GUY
"The coach is the protectorate of the organization. If the coach is secure at all points, the organization will be strong. If the coach is defective, the organization will be weak." (III:11)
"The coach who wins with respect and loses with dignity, who’s only thought is what is best for the team and who he represents, is the coach to admire." (XII:12)
There are five dangerous faults that a coach can have; (i) Recklessness, which leads to destruction. (ii) Cowardice, which leads to defeat. (iii) A quick temper, which can be provoked. (iv) A sense of honor that is sensitive to shame. (v) Over-sensitivity to the players, which causes him not to push them as hard as he should. (VIII:10)
2. THE ADMINISTRATION
"There are three ways in which an administrator can bring misfortune upon a team. (IV:5)
(i) 'By attempting to coach the team.' Verdict: NOT GUILTY
(ii) 'By attempting to govern the team in the same way one would govern a business.' Verdict: DEBATABLE
(iii) 'By employing coaches without discrimination. (Employing coaches without discrimination leads players to be restless and distrustful, and when players are restless and distrustful this can bring anarchy into the team.)' Verdict: GUILTY AS CHARGED.
3. A LACK of CONTROL
"Being in complete control is the mark of a great coach." (XII:8)
"If there is a disturbance in the team then it is a sign the coach's authority is weak. (IX:9)
"If a coach shows faith in his players but always insists on his instructions being obeyed, this will be a beneficial situation." (IX:28)
"If in training commands are habitually enforced, the team will be well disciplined." (IX:27)
4. POOR MAN MANAGEMENT
"Treat your players as your children, and never put yourself higher than they are, and they will follow you." (XII:11)
"The best coach is one who is able to control his whole team as easily as if he was controlling just one player." (XI:47)
"Players need to believe in something greater than the fear of defeat in order to give their all and win." (XI:34)
"Players should have faith no matter what your instructions are, whether they understand the purpose of them or not." (XI:49)
"When the players are strong, but the coach is weak, the result will be insubordination." (XII:3)
"A coach should be quiet to ensure secrecy; decent and fair to maintain order." (XI:46)
5. MANCHESTER UNITED FC
"When the coach is weak and without authority, instructions are not clear, organization is poor, and everything is conducted in a sloppy manner, the result will be disorganization." (XII:6)