Five Players Who Let Jose Mourinho Down
SillySeason look at the under-performers of Chelsea’s season so far
Chelsea Football Club have today announced the sacking of manager Jose Mourinho after their dreadful start to the new Premier League campaign.
After winning the title just a few months ago, Chelsea currently sit 16th in the Premier League, a measly one-point above the relegation zone after 16-games.
A defeat to Leicester City was the last straw for Roman Abramovich as he today decided to pull the trigger once again and part ways with the Portuguese.
But was it all Mourinho’s fault? Or did the players have a huge part in the sacking?
SillySeason take a look into the five players that let Mourinho down this season.
5) Branislav Ivanovic
What has happened to the Serb?
Easily the Premier League’s best right-back last season, but a complete shadow of his former-self this time around.
Dreadful performances early on in the season against the likes of Swansea City and Crystal Palace cost Chelsea several points and ultimately left them where they are today.
He was signed as a centre-back, pushed over to the right-back position where he flourished at first, but this season has been a real downfall for Ivanovic.
His woeful defending and lack of pace simply cost Chelsea too many goals and too many points.
4) Nemanja Matic
Another Serb who has gone from hero to zero at Chelsea. Nemanja Matic.
The powerhouse midfielder was a rock for the Blues last season in their title-winning campaign, but so far this season, he’s been invisible and has gone missing.
His partnership with Cesc Fabregas has broken down completely and because of that, Chelsea’s midfield has been a disaster.
From one of the best players in the Premier League, to a walking disaster in a matter of months.
3) Cesc Fabregas
We’ve mentioned him already so we may as well highlight him now.
Cesc Fabregas has been a disgrace for Chelsea so far this season. The performance against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane springs to mind but in truth, it’s nearly every game he features in.
He was superb for the Blues last season, especially during the first five months or so, but this year, he’s been woeful.
Him and Matic have fallen apart and it’s simply left Chelsea’s midfield non-existent.
Not providing assists, not scoring goals and not adding anything to the stability of the midfield.
Fabregas was also accused of being a mole inside the Chelsea dressing room, but those reports were quickly dismissed by the Spaniard himself.
2) Diego Costa
Last year it was all about the goals, this year it’s all about the fights and the controversy.
Diego Costa is a fiery player, but last year he seemed to score a lot of goals along with it so he was accepted and valued by Chelsea.
However, the goals have dried out and now the fans simply hate him for his attitude and controversy.
He was suspended by the FA earlier this season for his antics against Arsenal. He refused to warm-up at White Hart Lane after being named on the substitute bench and later that game he threw a strop with his bib because he didn’t come on.
Costa is fiery, he is a risk and on his day he’s a useful striker, however this season he’s been off-form for too long and he’s been a big part in Chelsea’s failures.
1) Eden Hazard
PFA Player of the Year to the invisible man in the space of months.
Eden Hazard has been rubbish this season and has been a massive part in Chelsea’s shortcomings.
He’s clearly pushing for a move out of Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid wanting to sign him, and it was clear from the start that he didn’t want to play for Jose Mourinho.
Barely any goals or assists this season for the Belgian and his performances have been well below-par as well.
From a tiger to a cat for Eden Hazard.
So there are our Five Players that let Jose Mourinho down.
Do you agree?
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt