Mourinho admits current spell is his worst in management
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admits he is in the midst of the worst period of his trophy-laden career – but is confident an improvement is due.
The Premier League champions have two wins from seven games this term and followed up last Saturday’s draw at Newcastle with a midweek Champions League loss at Porto.
“I define (this) as the worst period of my career, with the worst results in my career,” said Mourinho, whose side host Southampton this weekend.
“I get it as a fantastic experience – an experience that I don’t want to repeat. I want to finish tomorrow and win some matches again.
“I think it comes too late, to come after 15 years is too late, but it’s something that is helping me to be better, a great negative experience.”
Mourinho insists it is not the most challenging period, but the worst in terms of results.
He said: “I had a big challenge all the time. It’s the worst results. I’ve never lost so many matches. That’s a fact.”
The challenge began on the opening day of Chelsea’s title defense, a 2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8, the repercussions of which continue.
Asked if Chelsea can be dominant again after a mixed start, Mourinho added: “I keep thinking the same I told you before Arsenal – I think we can win every game.
“We are capable as a team to win against anyone – Champions League, Premier League – we are capable of that.”
Mourinho expects Southampton to provide his side with a thorough examination on Saturday, with the Blues failing to beat them in two games last term.
“We respect them, we know they’re a good team and for sure they will give us a difficult match.
“It’s nothing new and totally natural that everyone wants to beat the champions.”
Mourinho refused to divulge what his team would be against Saints but says his assistant reported that Loic Remy, Oscar and Radamel Falcao trained fantastically well in training when the squad was in Porto.
Mourinho criticized first-team doctor Eva Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn for going on to the field to treat Eden Hazard.
And Mourinho was cleared by the Football Association on Wednesday of making discriminatory comments towards Carneiro.
FA chairman Greg Dyke has told officials that Mourinho committed “a failure of his personal judgement and public behaviour” in his criticism of Carneiro, while independent board member Heather Rabbatts launched a stinging attack on the FA for its “seriously disappointing” handling of the case.
Mourinho refused to respond on Friday, saying his comments will come in time.
“For the past two months I didn’t open my mouth and I’m going to keep it like this. One day I will speak and I will choose a day,” Mourinho said.
“I’m quiet about it for a long time. I read and I listen and I watch and I’m quiet.
“I’m telling you, we can be here all day. My time to speak will arrive when I decide.”
