Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev provided welcome respite for Mourinho and Mendes dismissed talk of an impending departure from Chelsea, telling BBC Sport: “He doesn’t need to prove anything to anybody”.
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Mourinho was thrilled with the character his players showed at Stamford Bridge after Willian’s late free kick sealed the three points and he also spared a thought for a section of the Chelsea support he feels has been tested by the poor run of previous results.
While Mourinho has been under pressure in recent weeks, the Chelsea fans have supported him throughout and they were again in full voice at Stamford Bridge for the midweek clash.
“I prefer the team obviously but what they [the fans] did for me is not normal, “Mourinho said”.
“It came at a moment when you (the media) are asking for the end of me”.
The Blues boss has come under pressure following a dismal start to their Premier League title defence, with Proto revealing the “exaggerated figure” meant Mourinho was no longer a viable option. “Or they don’t read papers or they don’t listen to television and pundits and commentators or they have a big heart… or they recognize that I am a good professional and give everything to the club and brought good moments to the club and have a great memory. They tried to say we want you here and they probably want to say to all of you “let him work” and it’s a fantastic feeling”.
While they are second behind FC Porto, Chelsea have seven points from four games in Group G and are reasonably well placed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. The club have shown faith in the best manager in the history of this football club.
Chelsea took the lead on 34 minutes thanks to an own goal, as an inviting right-wing cross from Willian was diverted into the net by Dynamo defender, Aleksandar Dragovic.
“But our intention is to play in the way we do every game here and in most matches”.
“I don’t have another way of thanking them than giving everything I have which I will do always”. “It’s something I spoke about with the players”. When the hard moment arrives, face the hard moment, don’t crumble. While Chelsea did look much better and improved from their tepid performance against Liverpool, they were still not as convincing and if not for the excellent set-piece from Willian, would have had to be content with sharing the spoils. So, at 1-1, it was not a drama.
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“From the mental point of view it was important”, Mourinho said. “Today was ideal because we conceded a goal with 15 minutes to go and the team emerged”.
