Mourinho 04/05 'The Special One' (4-3-3 Holding)

- Incredibly solid in defence
- Quick counters to leave your opponents reeling
- Late runs into the box from the LCM
- Soak up pressure and fly
- ++ is ESSENTIAL on the LCM to get the authentic late runs

José Mourinho's tactics during Chelsea's 2004/05 season were centred around a highly disciplined, defensive structure with rapid transitions into attack. Key features included:

4-3-3 Formation: Mourinho often used this setup, with two wingers supporting a lone striker.

Defensive Solidity: Chelsea had an incredibly organized defence, conceding just 15 goals in the Premier League. John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho formed a formidable centre-back pairing, shielded by Claude Makélélé as the defensive midfielder.

Makélélé Role: Makélélé sat deep in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and providing stability, allowing Lampard and Tiago or Gudjohnsen more freedom to move forward.

Quick Counter-Attacks: Chelsea often soaked up pressure before launching quick counter-attacks. The pace and power of wingers like Arjen Robben and Damien Duff were crucial, while Didier Drogba or Eidur Gudjohnsen led the line up front.

Set Pieces: Chelsea were highly effective from set pieces, both defensively and offensively.

Pressing: Mourinho's team applied selective pressing, maintaining a solid shape but pressing aggressively when the opportunity to win the ball in dangerous areas arose.