In defence of Jose
“I really don’t understand the blatant racism placed on Jose Mourinho by Guardian newsmen,” writes Pedro Maia. “Had this been directed to any other person with such amazing results it would be more than enough reason for public outcry but with Mou it seems that being extremely competent at his job allows for you to abuse the man.
“I hope this can be avoided by having honesty brought up into the discussion when talking about Mou. He’s both a wonderful human being and an amazing strategist. Pelting him is just deriding the accuracy that’s the watermark of most the Guardian sections.”
I like Mourinho a lot, and would sincerely love him to win the Premier or Champions League with Spurs and then tell the world what time it is. I agree that he isn’t judged fairly or rationally and that he’s an exceptional strategist/analyst. But in the last few years he hasn’t got close to either of those big prizes and has fallen out with a helluva lot of people at various clubs. I hope I’m wrong, but I think the likeliest scenario is that it will happen again at Spurs. A lot of great managers - and Mourinho was clearly that - lose their way in the second half of their careers.
“‘The big summer signings for both sides all start’, eh?” sniffs Matt Dony. “No sign of Joe Hart in that Spurs line-up...”
Pre-match reading
The big summer signings on both sides all start. We’re not certain what formation Everton will play, though I reckon it’ll be a midfield diamond.
Spurs (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Hojbjerg, Winks; Moura, Alli, Son; Kane.
Substitutes: Hart, Sanchez, Aurier, Lamela, Sissoko, Ndombele, Bergwijn.
Everton (possible 4-D-2) Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Allan; Doucoure, Andre Gomes; Rodriguez; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.
Substitutes: Virginia, Kenny, Sigurdsson, Davies, Walcott, Bernard, Kean.
Referee Martin Atkinson.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of a meeting between the Premier League’s eternal optimists. Despite perpetual disappointment, Spurs and Everton always come back for more with a hopeful demeanour and an open chequebook. This time the optimism stems from the fact it’s their first full season under two of the most successful managers of the modern era, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. Everton, too, have made some intriguing signings, particularly the darling of the 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez.
It’s a huge season for both clubs. This might be Mourinho’s last chance to show he is still compatible with the modern footballer. And if Everton’s refurbished squad can’t improve on last season’s 12th position, they really are in trouble.
Kick off 4.30pm.
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