Mourinho’s Chelsea eased to the title last season, finishing eight points clear of runners-up Manchester City.
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That’s true to a degree, but Chelsea fans must be concerned at the failure to register one victory or perhaps more importantly, one convincing performance.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Mourinho stated that he’d hoped a summer free of football would allow Costa the rest he so badly needed and in turn, his hamstring would have sufficient time to properly heal. “I saw Hazard limping but I don’t think it was a problem”. Willian is another player who has blossomed under Mourinho.
Chelsea’s striking options have only been diversified with the addition of Falcao, but the Colombian will find it hard to displace a certain Diego Costa, a man he knows all too well from his Atleti days.
It seems likely that he’ll get his answers this season. The Blues were passing the ball well but numerous efforts were blocked before reaching Sepe in the Fiorentina goals.
Cahill had another chance with five minutes left, but his stooping header under pressure lacked the power required. It confirmed within the Blues’ play, because the assault by no means appeared to fairly discover their rhythm towards a strong Fiorentina aspect.
Going up-front the Gunners have always been a treat to watch. There were more than enough warnings for Mourinho, especially concerning his lack of fire power (Diego Costa was dearly missed against Arsenal).
While determined to win back-to-back league titles with Chelsea as he did in 2005 and 2006, Mourinho craves a first European trophy with the west London club.
As the new season approaches, Chelsea are most people’s favourites to retain the Premier League title having somewhat run away with it last time out. Must the manager give confidence to a player?
“[His prospects, his playing time] depends on him – not on me”.
Transfer spending ahead of the new campaign has already eclipsed £500million (Dh2.9bn), and with the window open for the remainder of August that number could potentially double.
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Unlike Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho can sense a pulse. They have decided not to spend big, instead looking at players who will add to the squad rather than upgrade the first XI.
