1. What was he supposed to say? It was pre-meltdown and the team WAS sort of capable of a title challenge, but you can’t budget on a team like City having an amazing season like that.
You mean the meltdown he was responsible for? I don't understand why that absolves him of his targets.
And yes what City did was an achievement, based on expectations, but I don't see what that has to do with Mourinho failing to meet his. He thought heading into the 2017/18 season his team was equipped to challenge (not even win). United didn't challenge for the title so his expectations weren't even met. Perhaps you can say he did ok, given how good City was, but to label it some great achievement is disingenuous.
He didn't even meet his minimum targets let alone exceed them. Let that sink in.
2. It’s an achievement because of the previous and latter league positions, it’s not that difficult to see.
7
4
5
6
2
6
Which one stands out?
I mean this is a completely arbitrary measuring stick. The minimum goal was to challenge, not to finish second, 16 points adrift while getting dumped out of Europe by Sevilla.