Jose Mourinho And Chelsea

On my way to work today, I read an interesting story in the Metro newspaper about Chelsea FC manager, Jose Mourinho.

Following Chelsea’s defeat to Fulham, he is quoted as saying, "There are 19 managers and clubs, plus one," in reaction to a referee’s decision to disallow a handball. I’m pretty sure there are 20. At least there were when I checked the Premiership table this morning. Jose might be disappointed but he is quoted as admitting "… I know it’s a handball …", so I wonder what the problem is then? Does he believe that Chelsea and himself are better than any other team (that would explain the 19 and one comment; Chelsea vs. everyone else)?

While the referee and linesman didn’t spot the handball, the referee’s assistant did and was only doing his job when he alerted the referee of this. Jose might not like it, but these are the rules of football and apply to every team (including Chelsea).

If the situation had been reversed, and Fulham had been disallowed a goal due to handball instead, would Jose have reacted the same and have said Fulham were not being treated the same as every other team…?

Chelsea are still 12 points ahead of the closest team, Manchester United. However I predict it’s going to be close as Chelsea are now feeling the pressure. Manchester United have a game in hand - a chance to cut Chelsea’s lead to 9 points. In March of the 2002-2003 season, Arsenal’s 8-point lead was eaten away by Manchester United in impressive style. They showed once again that they truly are the best team in England. I wouldn’t be surprised if they go on to achieve such an impressive feat once again.

Congratulations to Fulham on their impressive victory.