Chelsea Manager Jose
Mourinho has asked his lads to show quick response and immediate improvements during
a meeting with the entire squad at their Cobham training centre.The manager
called his players together following Wednesday’s Champions League defeat
against Basle which came after a 1-0 loss at Everton.
There was also a pointed
dressing-room visit from owner Roman Abramovich, but he did not usurp
Mourinho’s authority on team matters.
He spoke to a number of
players about their performance, but there is no sign of tension, just
acceptance that the form must change after a tricky start to Mourinho’s second
spell at Chelsea. Some of the points heighted by Mourinho at Cobham have been
interpreted as ‘constructive’ and ‘positive’, but a number of players were left
in no doubt their places are under threat.
In spite Chelsea’s poor
start, the players remain committed to their coach and his methods.
There is genuine frustration among all players and coaching staff about their
failure to improve their goal scoring form.
Fernando Torres, axed from the squad against Basle, is the only recognised striker to score for Chelsea this season while Samuel Eto’o, signed from Anzhi Makhachkala last month, has been far from impressive in his opening two games.
Mourinho addressed his
positioning during talks on Thursday as he began preparing for the west London
derby with Fulham on Saturday.
Skipper John Terry, who was dropped for the 2-1 defeat on Wednesday, is expected to be recalled. Mourinho selected David Luiz to start in the defeat at Goodison Park, but he was blamed for poor positioning for Everton’s winner.
Although Luiz indicated
that he wanted to play, it has emerged he was jet-lagged following his
return from international duty with Brazil. There is a concern at Chelsea as to
why his performances dip for his club despite often impressing for his country.
