Jose Mourinho – 39 Exercises PDF: Elite Training Drills from The Special One
Introduction: Mastering Mourinho’s Training Methodology
Jose Mourinho’s coaching philosophy has shaped some of football’s most successful teams. The Jose Mourinho – 39 Exercises PDF reveals the exact drills used by “The Special One” to develop tactical intelligence, technical precision, and physical dominance in his players. This exclusive collection bridges the gap between academy development and first-team excellence.
For coaches seeking to implement Mourinho’s methods, our tactical training guide provides additional context, while this UEFA coaching study validates many of his approaches.
Core Training Principles in Mourinho’s System
1. Position-Specific Pattern Play (Drills 1-9)
The Jose Mourinho – 39 Exercises PDF emphasizes:
- 4-3-3 system integration through repetitive passing sequences
- Half-turn receiving to enhance spatial awareness
- Wall pass combinations to break defensive lines
Key exercises include:
- Diamond passing circuits (Drill 15)
- Fullback overlap scenarios (Drill 7)
- Midfield rotation patterns (Drill 8)
Research from the Journal of Sports Sciences shows such pattern drills improve passing accuracy by 27% in professional players.
2. Positional Games with Tactical Constraints (Drills 10-21)
Mourinho’s signature small-sided games feature:
- Directional possession (4v4+2 neutrals)
- Channel restrictions (no vertical/square passes)
- Numerical overload progressions (5v2 → 5v5)
Notable implementations:
- 10v6 transition game (Drill 6) develops counter-attacking
- End-zone possession (Drill 21) mimics final-third penetration
Our positional play breakdown expands on these concepts.
Advanced Functional Training Modules
3. Phase of Play Development (Drills 22-30)
The Jose Mourinho – 39 Exercises PDF breaks down:
- Build-up patterns from GK distribution (Drill 25)
- Wing play combinations with crossing variations (Drill 14)
- Striker link-up through give-and-go sequences (Drill 26)
Critical coaching points:
- Weight of pass (Drill 22)
- Timing of third-man runs (Drill 28)
- Crossing biomechanics (Drill 12)
A Premier League analysis shows Mourinho’s teams complete 18% more successful crosses than league average.
4. Transition & Conditioning (Drills 31-39)
Mourinho’s unique hybrid drills combine:
- Defensive reorganization (3v2→2v3 transitions)
- High-intensity circuits with technical elements
- Position-specific resistance training
Standout exercises:
- Box-to-box transfer game (Drill 31)
- Mirror reaction duels (Drill 36)
- Diagonal crossing under fatigue (Drill 39)
The FA’s fitness guidelines confirm these methods improve repeat sprint ability by 15%.
Implementing Mourinho’s Methods
5. Periodization & Progression
The Jose Mourinho – 39 Exercises PDF recommends:
- Pre-season: Focus on pattern play (Drills 1-15)
- In-season: Maintain with positional games (Drills 16-30)
- Match prep: Sharpening with functional drills (Drills 31-39)
Our seasonal planning template helps structure this approach.
6. Adaptations for Different Levels
- Academy: Simplify to 3v1/4v2 scenarios
- Semi-pro: Increase space in possession drills
- Elite: Add opposition in all exercises
Conclusion: The Mourinho Blueprint
The Jose Mourinho – 39 Exercises PDF provides:
✅ Proven frameworks for tactical development
✅ Scientifically-validated conditioning methods
✅ Position-specific skill enhancement
For complete implementation:
- Download our Mourinho-style session planner
- Study advanced analyses of his systems
- Begin with Drill 1 and progressively incorporate complexity
As Mourinho himself demonstrated at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter Milan, these methods build teams that outthink, outwork, and outlast opponents. Whether coaching youth or professionals, this playbook delivers the tools to develop “Mourinho players” – technically flawless, tactically astute, and mentally relentless.