Former AC Milan star Ruud Gullit believes José Mourinho is not a defensive coach – instead, he tries to win in whatever way suits the players at his disposal.
Portuguese coach Mourinho is currently the subject of a new Netflix documentary and is also back in the Real Madrid hotseat.
And Gullit thinks there is no reason the Special One will not look to attack at the Bernabeu.
The Netherlands legend pointed out that Mourinho, like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, may master tactics without the ball, but that is simply part of being a modern tactician.
Magnificent football
During an exclusive conversation with NY Sports Day, Gullit said: “I’ve seen his Inter Milan side play magnificent football, and his Chelsea teams played attacking football as well.
“What Mourinho does best is analyse what a specific squad needs to win.
“He doesn’t rigidly impose a single philosophy regardless of personnel; he assesses his squad and gets the absolute best out of them.
“That’s why he won everywhere he went – he adapts to his resources.
“Calling him a purely defensive coach is a misconception.
“Milan in my playing days were the best team without the ball, just as [Manchester] City are today.”
Match control
Gullit added: “When you lose possession, how quickly can you win it back?
“People focus purely on what teams do on the ball, but Spain won the [2026] World Cup because they were superior without the ball.
“They knew how to recover possession rapidly without burning unnecessary energy.
“Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, Mourinho’s Inter and our Milan side – all of them mastered play without the ball.
“That’s how you control a match.”
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Michael Davey