As Chelsea come away with a win over Dynamo Kiev in their “must not lose” clash, Jose Mourinho must be thanking the stars for Willian tonight.
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Chelsea needed an 83rd-minute goal from Willian to see Dynamo off, yet the Brazilian was pleased with his side’s overall performance. Chelsea, which is now ranked 15 on the English Premier league, has only managed one win in 6 weeks since their away-win at Walsall and this has sparked a lot of ridicule on social media.
“To qualify we didn’t need a win”.
“For me, from an ex-pro’s point of view, it’s always more down to the players than it is the manager”, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Australia glovesman told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
“Many players are coming to their normal levels, despite having feelings as a team when negative moments come – and they are coming every game”.
“To win after conceding a goal with 15 minutes to go, it’s important”.
Kiev did well to hold on to a draw but a sublime free kick by Willian in the 83rd minute gave the Blues a much anticipated win.
“With Chelsea, I think this is my moment”.
The Kiev side were more dynamic after the interval and Dragović made amends for his first-half mistake by taking advantage of Chelsea’s weak defence; he equalised for Dynamo in the 77th minute.
“It’s my daughter’s birthday and if I don’t see her from the bench, I don’t see her all day”, said Mourinho.
Spanish striker Diego Costa, who is in a bad run, will start for the Blues as the lone striker for Chelsea.
Willian’s average pass accuracy of 85%, meanwhile, is only bettered by three of his team-mates in the Premier League this term. “I give everything to the club, I brought good moments to the club”, he continued.
“It is one of the best goals I’ve scored in my career”, he is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
“To beat them is hard”.
“Yes, the manager can set the tone, but he doesn’t go out onto the pitch and play”.
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“I think the club has to be very proud of their fans”.
