Courtois enjoyed a hugely successful campaign as first-choice stopper last season but has had a more mixed campaign this time.
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There is a psychological impact of poor performances and lack of confidence that becomes a downward spiral no matter how hard you try to arrest it.
At one of his first team meetings, interim manager Guus Hiddink, a man who was very popular with the players during his first spell in charge in 2009, is rumoured to have made it clear that he will do his best to protect each individual.
The spiral continues, the pressure builds and something has to give unless the manager can turn it around.
“We were the ones who were not playing as well”.
That’s changed under Guus Hiddink, and with Mikel avoiding being part of the alleged Mourinho revolt, he’s kept fans on his side.
Chelsea host Scunthorpe in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, before league games at home to West Brom and Everton, and Courtois insists all is not lost. “Maybe with some players the mentality changed”.
“I had a very good relationship with [Drogba] past year”, Courtois said.
Whilst Hiddink awaited resumption, Mikel featured for Chelsea under a caretaker manager, in the 3-1 win over Sunderland; his first since October 2015.
“I want to say a big thank you for the support they’ve given us and hopefully we can keep producing this type of performance”. The training is different as well.
“He just steps in when he thinks he needs to explain something to the team”.
Other messages praised the Nigerian for his survival at Chelsea, having spent 10 years at the club and seen the exit of 10 managers at the club. He has very good sense, he doesn’t do it in a brutal way, he’s very elegant. ‘He was great for the dressing room and our team.
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“If he comes back as a coach it will be a great addition to all the team”.
