The Blues boss has criticised the attitude of Newcastle’s team…
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has slammed Newcastle’s squad, implying that the reason their form has been so variable in recent years is that the players pick and choose which games to take seriously.
While Newcastle always put in a good performance against Chelsea, and have won their last two home games against the Blues.
“When they play against other teams they look like they’re playing friendlies,” the Mail quoted the Portuguese manager as saying.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool Close In On Deal to Sign ‘New Luis Suarez’
Five Alternative Goalkeeper Signings For Arsenal
Manchester United Star Fuels PSG Rumours
Newcastle won 5 games in a row over the last month, but have since lost twice. This wild variation between winning and losing runs has become a theme under current boss Alan Pardew. But Mourinho knows that today’s game won’t be easy, despite the fact that Newcastle have entered into one of their bad spells:
“It’s a difficult stadium to play at. There are a few stadiums in this country where, clearly, when they see the Chelsea shirts, they play the game of their lives.”
Mourinho has never won at St James’ Park, and will be keen to set that record straight when his side face Newcastle in today’s lunchtime kickoff.
Last year’s visit to Newcastle saw Chelsea battered and bruised into a 2-0 loss, and their task today won’t be made any easier by the suspension of Nemanja Matic.
Loic Remy, who scored for Newcastle in this fixture last year, could also feature, this time for the Blues.