New signing Nemanja Matic will not start against Manchester United at the weekend says boss Mourinho.
Mourinho says new (re-)signing Matic won’t start v #MUFC on Sunday – out of respect to other players. Lampard back in squad. Ivanovic not.
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) January 17, 2014
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he will not start new signing Nemanja Matic against Manchester United on Sunday out of respect for the rest of his squad.
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Matic, 25, returned to Stamford Bridge in a £20.75m deal on Wednesday and immediately urged Mourinho to throw him in at the deep end for this weekend’s game at Stamford Bridge.
But the Portuguese said the Serbian would not play from the start.
“Matic is not starting the game,” Mourinho said. “I hold that respect to my other players.”
Mourinho’ stance means two of Frank Lampard, Jon Obi Mikel and Ramires are likely to start deep in midfield, ahead of the attacking triumvirate of Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar.
Meanwhile, Mourinho confirmed that Ryan Bertrand will join Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.