Jose Mourinho brands Chelsea lucky for having a manageable schedule

According to The Sun, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has branded the Blues’ schedule as lucky.

Now in charge at Tottenham Hospur, the Portuguese tactician is orchestrating a title challenge that sees the North Londoners at the top of the Premier League.

Tottenham’s match against Ludogorets takes place tonight, giving them just three days to prepare for the clash against Chelsea. We, on the other hand, have two extra days after playing the Champions League game against Rennes on Tuesday.

“In that case they were lucky this week that the draw gave them a Tuesday match that will allow them to prepare for the match on Sunday.”

The Spurs boss appears to insinuate that we have been given an advantage due to the extra time off. Mourinho appears to have conveniently forgotten that we travelled to France while his team are playing at home.

Mourinho also scoffed at Klopp’s tirade that TV companies have too much power to affect clubs’ schedules adversely. Despite appearing to complain about the disparity in preparation time, Mourinho also admitted that clubs will have to adapt.

A master of the mind games, it is convenient that he will mention us given both teams are set to face each other on Sunday.

Chelsea have improved in recent weeks and look like a team firing on all cylinders. It can be argued that the match is a potential six-pointer in regards to the title chase.

Mourinho has never beaten a team coached by Lampard (in normal time). His lone victory over the Blues boss came earlier this season the Carabao Cup. The game ended 1-1 with Spurs winning on penalties.

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For a manager used to the schedule since 2004, Mourinho’s comments seem petulant. If he finds the need to complain after all these years of managing in England, then clearly he is yet to find a solution.

At the very least, he now has an excuse for when we beat him this Sunday.

Chelsea ace Kurt Zouma imparts words of wisdom to Eduardo Camavinga

According to Football.london, Chelsea star Kurt Zouma had words of wisdom for Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.

The 18-year-old is one of the best young talents in European football. Apart from being a regular for Rennes, he has also played his way into Didier Deschamps’ French national team squad.

Zouma came up against the youngster in our Champions League game on Tuesday. The Blues emerged victorious, thanks to Olivier Giroud’s stoppage-time strike.

And after the game, Zouma was captured by the French TV cameras while giving a two-minute pep-talk to the youngster. The topic appeared to be on where he needs to improve.

While the microphones failed to record the full conversation, they did catch Zouma telling the youngster the perils of losing the ball under pressure.

“When there is pressure, you lose the ball and a goal. Every time it’s like this! It happened against PSG too.”

Rather than a criticism, it appears to be genuine advice from a seasoned professional to a younger prospect. Zouma’s comments could have been directed at Rennes’ 3-0 loss to PSG earlier in the month.

Planned out or just a coincidence?

It is interesting he should know that given we are not scheduled to play PSG anytime soon. It could hint at him watching the youngster’s progress with interest or just something he chanced upon while preparing for the game.

Zouma has emerged into an excellent partner to Thiago Silva this season. The Frenchman has upped his performance levels and is now a key member of our squad.

Chelsea have so far not been linked with a move for Camavinga. If we ever do land him, this could be the moment where we may have made the first move.

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Edouard Mendy reveals the secret behind his excellent Chelsea start

According to Football.london, Chelsea star Edouard Mendy has revealed the secret behind his strong start to life at the club.

The Senegalese international joined the club from Rennes in the summer. He has quickly put an end to Chelsea’s goalkeeping crisis and holds a solid grip on the number one spot.

Mendy has kept an impressive seven clean sheets in ten games since replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga. Blues boss Frank Lampard finally has a settled number one to go alongside his prolific attack and improving defence.

Mendy has attributed the partnership of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva ahead of him as a major factor in his solid performances.

Both players are fluent in French which makes communication easier. Mendy has not played out side France and being able to do so alongside players fluent in his language will come as a comfort.

“Kurt and Thiago they speak French which is good for me, but I can communicate well with the other players too and I am really enjoying it.”

It is not only the French-speaking players, but everyone at the club has made life easier for the goalkeeper.

“Everyone has done everything to help me integrate as smoothly as possible, the players, the staff, they have all helped me.”

Mendy may not have been our most glamorous signing of the summer. However, there is no question that he has been effective. Actions speak louder than words and Mendy has done his reputation no harm.

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Mendy will face a table-topping Tottenham side this weekend. He will come up against the prolific duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min.

Chelsea will feel much more secure going into such a key matchup with a formidable goalkeeper in place.

Chelsea set to extend Thiago Silva stay beyond this season

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are poised to extend the stay of Thiago Silva at the club.

The 36-year-old signed for the club on a free transfer earlier in the summer. He has since gone on to solidify the backline and convert a major weakness into one of his strengths.

With his performances speaking for themselves, the Blues are keen to keep him on beyond the current season.

Silva’s contract has an option to extend his 12-month deal by a further year if he impressed. It would be fair to say he has done just that and more.

According to the report, official discussions with the player are not expected to occur until the new year. Blues boss Frank Lampard believes the 36-year old is a key part of Chelsea’s squad and is keen to keep him at Stamford Bridge for a second season.

Silva’s debut for the club against West Bromwich Albion was a forgettable affair. He was a part of a disjointed backline that conceded three on the night.

Things have only improved since then. The Blues have conceded just once in the four league games Silva has played since.

This defensive solidity has seen us rise steadily up the table. We can overtake current table-toppers Tottenham if we beat them this weekend.

Despite his age, Silva’s experience and leadership skills have proven to be a gamechanger for the Chelsea rearguard.

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Silva’s performances have not gone unnoticed. His effect has been so profound that he has even changed the mind of his detractors.

Chelsea icon Joe Cole, who had his doubts, is now a self-confessed convert. If he keeps impressing as he has done so far, there is no reason why he should not continue wearing blue.