The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jose Mourinho

  • Mikel listed for Chelsea’s U.S trip

    Mikel listed for Chelsea’s U.S trip

    Mikel Obi has returned to Chelsea to be part of the squad for the inaugural Guinness International Champions Cup in Miami, MTNFootball.com reports.

    The Nigerian international who has been a subject of transfer speculations this summer, is returning to ‘The Blues’ after he was given an extended holiday following his participation at FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

    He will be looking forward to play his first game under Jose Mourinho on his second return.

    Chelsea will play its first game at the competition in Indianapolis against Inter Milan on Thursday.

     

    The full squad:

    Goalkeepers: Petr Cech, Mark Schwarzer, Jamal Blackman

    Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Kalas, Ryan Bertrandi

    Midfielders: Michael Essien, Ramires, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Oscar, John Obi Mikel, Kevin De Bruyne, Mako van Ginkel, Eden Hazard

    Forwards: Fernando Torres, Victor Moses, Andre Schurrle, Romelu Lukaku, Demba Ba

     

  • Jose Mourinho dismisses rift talk

    Jose Mourinho dismisses rift talk

    Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has stressed that his relationship with the club’s officials remains unchanged despite the team’s struggles.

    La Liga champions Real suffered a 1-0 defeat at Betis on Saturday and are now in third place in the league, 11 points behind table-toppers Barcelona.

    Despite the problems on the pitch, Mourinho believes there are no issues off it.

    “Here, I am working as I have for many years. There is no question, the relationship with the club is as usual,” the Portuguese told reporters.

    “Now, I have a very, very, very good relationship, absolutely superb relationship with the president, Jose Angel Sanchez.”

    Despite the claims of cordiality, Mourinho accepts he will be judged on results alone and concedes his side’s recent performances open the door for criticism.

    “It is the club that matters and who can say if they are happy with what we are doing. The assessment must be done at the end,” he said.

    “Maybe the club is not happy with me and thinks there is room for improvement.”

    Turning his attention to Madrid’s Copa del Rey participation, Mourinho said he would be using the fixture to give fringe players more game time.

    “I would like people and fans to be kind to our three young players that we will be playing. The team need to play very well, and I think we will qualify,” he said.