Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas admitted that the Blues’ players let former manager Jose Mourinho down this season and failed to repay the faith the Portuguese showed in them.
Following a disastrous run of results which left Chelsea in the bottom half of the English Premier League table, Jose Mourinho was sacked in mid-December last year amid rumours of conflict between the Portuguese coach and some of the Blues’ biggest names.
However, Cesc Fabregas has always been an ardent supporter of Jose Mourinho and the former Barcelona man dedicated an Instagram post to the ‘Special One’ when Chelsea parted ways with him. Fabregas believes that it was the Chelsea squad which let Mourinho down and admits that it was one of the prime reasons for Mourinho getting the sack.
“The biggest problem was he trusted us too much, gave us more holiday because we were champions and we let him down,” said Fabregas on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football program (via Daily Express).
“That was the main reason he had to go – and for that myself and the team feel bad for it.”
Mourinho led Chelsea to the English Premier League title in 2014-15 and the former Arsenal captain revealed that he has remained in contact with the 53-year-old even after his departure from Stamford Bridge.
“I have huge respect for him – we still keep in touch right now,” Fabregas added.
Man management is Mourinho’s strength
Mourinho has been labelled a ‘father figure’ by many of his former players, including the likes of Frank Lampard and Marco Materazzi. Although the ‘Special One’ was sacked by Chelsea for a second time this season, it was little surprise to see Chelsea legend John Terry dedicating a full Instagram post thanking the Portuguese manager for his services.
Under-fire Belgian star Eden Hazard also revealed that he sent a message apologising to Mourinho following his dismissal. Even though his spell at Real Madrid was less than ideal in terms of player relationships, man management remains of the former Chelsea manager’s strengths. He excels at looking out for his players — like he did with Fabregas when the Spaniard faced a backlash from Blues supporters — and developing a long lasting relationship which goes beyond just the football pitch.
