"I'm not going to change my view of the game. I'm very clear about that," said coach Ruben Amorim after Manchester United lost 3-1 at home to Brighton. This defeat was the "Red Devils" sixth home defeat at Old Trafford in the Premier League this year.
Amorim is determined to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation that brought him so much success at Sporting, no matter the cost. "The players will suffer, I'm sorry, the fans will suffer. I have a way of doing things, I know it will work," the Portuguese tactician insisted.
Meanwhile, Tottenham were also weakened and suffered a 2-3 defeat to Everton. They conceded 3 goals in the first half against the second worst attack in the Premier League this season.
Ange Postecoglou had the flexibility to start with a back three at Goodison Park before changing at half-time, but the all-out attacking play left Spurs' defence exposed.
Amorim will point to his remarkable record in Portugal as evidence of why he should continue to pursue his philosophy. And remember, Man United appointed Amorim for that too.
Likewise, Postecoglou also pointed out that he could not have moved from Australia to the Premier League without a clear philosophy.
Before taking charge of Tottenham, Postecoglou said he would not change his approach, no matter the situation. Even when Spurs were one goal ahead in the final stages of a crucial game. The Australian has not wavered since, despite injuries wreaking havoc on Tottenham's defence.
"In any sport, when I see teams breaking the traditional mould, that's when people get really nervous," Postecoglou said at a pre-season press conference at Spurs' training ground in August 2023.
“It’s not guaranteed to work. It can all go up in smoke and end in tears. But when you make people feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable with what they see, then maybe you’re breaking new ground. And I like that about everything in life.
That's where special things exist and that's the space I'm in," Postecoglou asserted.
Unfortunately for Postecoglou and Spurs, their current position is 15th in the Premier League.
Man United's situation is not much better, only 2 places above Tottenham. Overall, both teams are far from where their coaches want to be.
These are testing times for Postecoglou and Amorim's commitment to their cause. The question is, would things be better if they tried something different now, at least in the short term?
Only time will tell whether their stubbornness is justified.
