10:20:00
Shola Alade
By Greg Lea
The Chelsea manager has hit back at recent criticism of the Spaniard, insisting that he is happy with his form despite a drop-off in assists
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has defended Cesc Fabregas over his form in the second half of the season, insisting the midfielder has been "wonderful".
Having recorded 15 assists in his first 21 league appearances, Fabregas has set up just one goal in his last 13 in all competitions, with the Spaniard coming in for some criticism for a perceived drop-off in form.
But Mourinho insists that he is happy with Fabregas' performances and maintains that he is vital to his Chelsea side.
“When some people write that Fabregas has dropped his level because the number of assists are not the same, the number of assists are probably not the same because the player that he assists doesn’t score.
“I think he’s playing wonderfully well for us. I’ve never had doubts about his importance for us in the team".
Nemanja Matic is another Chelsea player to have experienced a slight downturn in form, with the Serb failing to hit his early-season heights in recent weeks.
Mourinho, though, was quick to point out that being in and out of the team has not helped his defensive midfielder.
“As for Matic, he was suspended, and after the suspension he was injured celebrating in the Capital One Cup final. So he cape back and he was not in the best condition", the Portuguese added.
“He was out for two or three weeks so it takes time but I always think stability is very important in a team, and it’s not in April you are going to make important changes."
The Blues beat Stoke 2-1 on Saturday as their march towards the Premier League title continues, and Mourinho is happy with the mental strength they have shown.
“We have strong mentalities. We try to cope with the difficult moments we have during the whole season.
“We are ready for everything and we believe that the most difficult job is the job of the others that come from behind. Because the others, if they draw one game, they are in trouble. They have to win every game so it’s more difficult for them than for us.
“April is a moment of stability and obviously I keep faith in the people that I trust from the beginning of the season.”
Having recorded 15 assists in his first 21 league appearances, Fabregas has set up just one goal in his last 13 in all competitions, with the Spaniard coming in for some criticism for a perceived drop-off in form.
But Mourinho insists that he is happy with Fabregas' performances and maintains that he is vital to his Chelsea side.
“When some people write that Fabregas has dropped his level because the number of assists are not the same, the number of assists are probably not the same because the player that he assists doesn’t score.
“I think he’s playing wonderfully well for us. I’ve never had doubts about his importance for us in the team".
Nemanja Matic is another Chelsea player to have experienced a slight downturn in form, with the Serb failing to hit his early-season heights in recent weeks.
Mourinho, though, was quick to point out that being in and out of the team has not helped his defensive midfielder.
“As for Matic, he was suspended, and after the suspension he was injured celebrating in the Capital One Cup final. So he cape back and he was not in the best condition", the Portuguese added.
“He was out for two or three weeks so it takes time but I always think stability is very important in a team, and it’s not in April you are going to make important changes."
The Blues beat Stoke 2-1 on Saturday as their march towards the Premier League title continues, and Mourinho is happy with the mental strength they have shown.
“We have strong mentalities. We try to cope with the difficult moments we have during the whole season.
“We are ready for everything and we believe that the most difficult job is the job of the others that come from behind. Because the others, if they draw one game, they are in trouble. They have to win every game so it’s more difficult for them than for us.
“April is a moment of stability and obviously I keep faith in the people that I trust from the beginning of the season.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment