Chelsea assistant coach Steve Holland has claimed today that last year, the players only hoped that they would win the Premier League crown, but now they believe that they can actually do it.
The Blues face Bolton on Wednesday night in the Capital One Cup and Mourinho is reportedly set to give some youngsters a chance.
But Sunday’s 1-1 draw with title competitors Manchester City only helped to confirm that Chelsea are serious contenders to lift the trophy in May and Holland said: “Last year we hoped, but this year we believe.
“Jose always pushes to the maximum every day of his life in training, and in matches. This year there is a greater belief than last year. There is a balance and depth to the squad in all areas.
“Physically, mentally, tactically, the team has progressed and is ready to put on a real challenge. But we know there will be other clubs that feel the same and it will be a difficult contest right until the end.
“In all areas, if you look at Manchester City, they’ve been the team to beat in recent years, a very powerful team. The season before Jose came we played Manchester City five times, in the league twice, in the FA Cup and in friendlies twice. We didn’t win one game. But in the last three league matches we’ve won two and we were within five minutes of winning on Sunday.”
By Phil Wellbrook
