Champions Chelsea FC continued the weak start to their title defence with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St.James’ Park, prompting manager Jos Mourinho to slam his side’s first-half display
Following three wins on the bounce in as many competitions, Chelsea FC took another step in the wrong direction. Their turgid first-half display at St.James’ Park allowed Newcastle United to grow in confidence and hold on to a well-deserved draw, despite a late fight-back from the Blues.
Manager Jos Mourinho rated the performance in the first 45 minutes as one of the worst he has ever seen from one of his Chelsea FC teams, attributing the poor showing to bad individual performances, and giving it a rating of -1 out of 10.
Mourinho bemused by shocking first-half display
The Blues looked vulnerable defensively and toothless up front in a first-half display that was in stark contrast to their performances of late, but in keeping with a lot of their displays this season. Poor defending from young Frenchman Kurt Zouma and captain Branislav Ivanovi allowed Ayoze P rez to put the Magpies ahead in the 42nd minute, and the lead was no more than what Steve McLaren’s men deserved.
Speaking after the game, Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho slammed his side’s first-half display, saying (via Mirror Sport): “In the first half from 0-10, we were -1. Minus one. It was that bad. In the second half we played very well.
“Ramires and Willian moved the game, they brought more intensity, were much more dynamic. Newcastle could not cope with it.”
“I have to try to understand why they can play so bad in one half and so well in the other. We were bad in every aspect of the game. Poor individual performances and it was impossible to be a competitive team.”
Mourinho takes aim at Newcastle United
The Portuguese was clearly frustrated following his side’s performance, and appeared to channel some of that in his response to a question about the Magpies’ record at home against his Chelsea FC sides over the years.
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“Maybe one the reasons why Newcastle over the years dona t get good positions is because of this mentality,” Mourinho is quoted as saying by the club’s official website. “They choose some matches to sweat blood and in other matches they dona t. This is an attitude of a team that wins nothing.
“But they fought hard and they gave everything and they follow a line that many pundits give that you have to fight and kick and tackle and run, and they deserved a point the way they fought.”
