Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has revealed a rare glimpse into the defensive tactics he learned while playing under the renowned manager, Jose Mourinho.
Speaking about his experience, the coach described the challenges of playing with a man down.
He said that Mourinho's approach involved strategic sacrifices and a shift in player roles.
"I've learned the trades and the tricks of working with Mourinho, where you adjust, who do you sacrifice. As a player playing in a team that plays with 10 men, I'm telling you, it is hell. Unfortunately, it's not going to be pretty for the fans,” he stated.
However, he noted the team's ability to master this difficult situation saying they used to manage it perfectly, like it was an everyday thing.
This often meant defenders taking on midfield or even striking duties. This tactical flexibility, he said, was "the art that I've learned playing under Jose."
McCarthy first encountered Mourinho at FC Porto, where Mourinho had just assumed his managerial role in 2002.
It was under Mourinho’s guidance that McCarthy says he discovered his passion for coaching.
That mentor-mentee connection continued as McCarthy began his own coaching career in South Africa, with Mourinho continuing to check in on him.
According to him, Mourinho’s methods his player-centred approach, his use of passion to motivate, and his champion’s mindset and now applies these lessons in shaping his own coaching philosophy with the Harambee Stars.
The Sunday match between the Harambee Stars and Morocco, Kenya played with 10 men because their midfielder, Crispine Erambo, received a red card.
The incident occurred in the first half after a VAR review, where Erambo was shown a straight red card for a foul on an opponent.
Despite being a man down for most of the match, the Harambee Stars were able to secure a 1-0 victory.
McCarthy said their primary goal is to bring success to the country, not to please every individual.
He added that his focus is on the team's performance and national achievement above public opinion.
He said that player selection was based on athletes observed in camp, with a current focus on a local camp, as international players are involved in World Cup qualifiers.
The decision, he said, prioritises known qualities and the players' ability to lead the team, rather than risking selection based on only a few strong performances.
Acknowledging that not everyone will be happy with the team selection, he justified the choices by stating their unique insight and ability to identify talent.
He affirmed that the selected players were chosen by themselves and the technical team as the most capable to advance the team's objectives.
"Those are the players that you've seen and you see the qualities and where they can take the team. Do you risk taking someone based on a couple of good games or knowing what you're going to have when you've seen players? We know everyone is not going to be happy with how the team, how the team is selected, but everyone has not been where I've been. So I have an eye and I know talent when I see one," he said.
