Paulo Ferreira

MOURINHO SEEMED HAPPY

Jose Mourinho has stated that he is extremely happy with the defensive performances of his players in the last few weeks. After considering numerous goals in the first half of the season, Mourinho worked extensively on improving the defence at Chelsea. This seems to have worked extremely well after the blues have one of the best defensive record in all of Europe. They have conceded just 22 goals in 29 matches this campaign and it has been a major factor towards their push for the title.

Even though Chelsea have not scored comparable to the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, their defensive record has been key towards opening a nine-point advantage in the table. Chelsea trailed the leaders Arsenal by five points during the Christmas period, but since the 3-2 defeat against Stoke City, there has been a remarkable change with the club. Mourinho states that the likes of Gary Cahill, Ivanovic, and Azpilicueta have all performed exceptionally well along with John Terry to create a cohesive defensive unit, which rarely concedes goals.

Chelsea managed to extend their lead in the table after a convincing 4-0 win over Tottenham. All the goals came in the second half after their London rivals dominated in the first half. Mourinho says that it was important that the team kept calm after a difficult first half.

“We work, we prepare matches, we analyse opponents. You try to find the best balance. Defensively you try to make a shape, you try to find a balance. I like Ivanovic playing right-back more than as a central defender. I like a lot the stability of Cahill and the understanding of Cahill with John. And I think at this moment Azpilicueta is unbeatable. For many, many matches I haven’t seen one player beat Azpilicueta in an individual duel,” said the Chelsea boss.