Jose Mourinho didn’t name any names when he went on an off-season rant about how modern-day managers hide behind poor results by talking about their philosophies.

But to Australian ears, it sounded a little pointed.

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.Credit: AP

“We’re in a generation where we see coaches trying to do things that just don’t work, and they die,” Mourinho told Canal 11, a Portuguese streaming service, a few months ago.

“But they say, ‘I died, but I died with my idea.’ My friend, if you died by your ideas, you are stupid.”

Ange Postecoglou, of course, vowed to “die a noble death” as Tottenham Hotspur manager amid widespread demands for him to change his ways – and a few months later, that fate befell him.

The second time around threatens to be more gruesome.

Ange Postecoglou is under the pump.Credit: Getty Images

Mourinho’s comments speak to the prevailing mood in the game. Football is in the midst of an almost populist backlash, a revolt against the age of idealism.

Possession football is over. Having a predominant style is passé. Pragmatism is the new black. The cool kids now change their tactics every week, based on the opposition. Long throw-ins and rugby-style kick-offs are suddenly fashionable. Even Pep Guardiola is parking the bus. Philosophies are for losers; only winning matters.

Postecoglou indulged in some of that darkness in the Europa League last season, partly out of injury-enforced necessity. It’s not his thing, but it served a purpose. Now he’s back where he feels most comfortable: standing proudly in the crossfire.

As football moves in........

© Brisbane Times