'Worst period of my career'
But Mourinho refutes suggestions that players are unhappy with his methods
CHELSEA v SOUTHAMPTON
(Tomorrow, 12.30am, Singtel TV Ch 102 & StarHub TV Ch 227)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is in the midst of the worst period of his trophy-laden career.
The Premier League champions have two wins from seven games this term and followed up last Saturday's draw at Newcastle with a midweek Champions League loss at Porto.
"I define (this) as the worst period of my career, with the worst results in my career," said Mourinho, whose side host Southampton tomorrow morning (Singapore time).
"I get it as a fantastic experience - an experience that I don't want to repeat. I want to finish tomorrow and win some matches again.
"I think it comes too late, to come after 15 years is too late, but it's something that is helping me to be better, a great negative experience."
Mourinho insists it is not the most challenging period, but the worst in terms of results.
He said: "I had a big challenge all the time. It's the worst results. I've never lost so many matches. That's a fact."
The challenge began on the opening day of Chelsea's title defence, a 2-2 draw with Swansea on Aug 8, the repercussions of which continue.
Mourinho criticised first-team doctor Eva Carneiro and head physio Jon Fearn for going onto the field to treat Eden Hazard.
And Mourinho was cleared by the Football Association on Wednesday of making discriminatory comments towards Carneiro.
FA chairman Greg Dyke has told officials that Mourinho committed "a failure of his personal judgment and public behaviour" in his criticism of Carneiro, while independent board member Heather Rabbatts launched a stinging attack on the FA for its "seriously disappointing" handling of the case.
Mourinho refused to respond yesterday, saying his comments will come in time.
"For the past two months, I didn't open my mouth and I'm going to keep it like this. One day, I will speak and I will choose a day," Mourinho said. "I'm quiet about it for a long time. I read and I listen and I watch and I'm quiet.
"I'm telling you, we can be here all day. My time to speak will arrive when I decide."
Mourinho reacted angrily to suggestions in the morning newspapers that his players were unhappy with his methods.
"In here, we speak openly. We criticise people without any kind of problems and no prima donnas crying," Mourinho added. "When you make a mistake, you have to speak about it.
"You know what I call that in football? Coaching.
"If the coach cannot coach, go to a newspaper where nobody criticises anybody. Not all newspapers I believe, but one especially."
Branislav Ivanovic has been subject to much criticism for his performances, but Mourinho refused to comment publicly on his right back, who has avoided the fate of other established players who have been dropped.
"Ivanovic likes to speak to me and likes to speak to me about his mistakes," he said.
"I'm critical with him and I speak with him about what he has to try to improve.
"I have no doubts that he is my best right back. And I have no doubts that he has to improve in some aspects."
Striker Diego Costa completes his three-match suspension against Saints, with Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao in contention to start, despite not being selected to travel to Portugal.
Captain John Terry has been an unused substitute in recent weeks, bar a League Cup start at Walsall, and Chelsea fans serenaded him during post-match exercises after he again did not play at Porto in midweek.
"Fans can sing and I'm happy they sing and I'm happy they support John," Mourinho added.
"He's ready every game to play, even the ones I leave him on the bench, he's ready to play."
- PA Sport.
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