The Blues made it maximum points from our opening two matches with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard on target for Jose Mourinho’s side. There was little to choose between the two sides until Diego Costa’s intervention in the 62nd minute, with Leicester’s David Nugent passing up two brilliant opportunities to put the visitors in front. The opening goal, however, enabled the Blues to exert our quality and experience on proceedings and when Hazard extended our lead 15 minutes later the three points were all but secured. Mourinho acknowledged the difference in our performance after the break, and explained what he said to the players during the interval. ‘I told them the way we were playing was not good enough to win the game, we were at risk,’ said the Portuguese. ‘It’s impossible to play football if you don’t win a single second ball, so basic things but important things. ‘I wasn’t annoyed but I said if they had the same feeling and vision as me we were not in trouble because it would change. They understood, they knew the game was going in a risky direction and, in the second half, from the first minute, it was immediately different. ‘In the second half we were much more aggressive, we won second balls and it was difficult for them. A good, enthusiastic, positive side caused us problems in the first half but in the second we were too strong. ‘I don’t forget at 0-0 they had a situation, one on one with Courtois, but we scored, hit the post and Schmeichel made some good saves. Because of our second half performance I think we deserved the points.’ The Chelsea manager hasn’t been surprised by the early impact made by Diego Costa, who has scored two goals in his opening two matches. ‘I got the feeling in pre-season his adaptation wouldn’t be a big deal, he’s a happy guy, not speaking good English but always communicating. His style of play is adapted to our needs.’ He paid tribute to both of the newly-promoted teams we have faced this week for their approach to the matches. ‘We have lots of work to do, you can never stop thinking you need to improve. Our first half showed clearly we need to improve. It’s important not to lose points at home but I have to say well done to Leicester and Burnley because they played to win, without fear. They were positive all the time, which is good.’ Mourinho explained the absence of Fernando Torres from the matchday squad. ‘I decided to keep the same team and I had a bench with balance; one central defender, one full-back, one defensive midfield player, one attacking midfield player, one winger and one striker. Sometimes I can have two strikers on the bench, sometimes I can’t. I played Drogba, Ramires and Willian so the decision, for me, looked the correct one. ‘At this moment we are playing one match a week but that’s over next week, then we have Capital One Cup, Champions League and Premier League matches all together. We will have three matches every week in September, October, November and December so it will be easier for all of them because they will all be playing.’ The Blues boss is pleased with our start but feels there is plenty of room for improvement ‘I know we need to work and improve, especially the intensity of our game. I want it to be higher defensively and with our ball circulation. ‘At the same time I know pre-season wasn’t the perfect pre-season and we need to go step by step. Some players, like Ivanovic, are at the top of their form, but others are up and down. It’s early in the season though and we have our third game next week.’
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:51:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015