After a disappointing opening day performance against Swansea at the weekend, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made sure that the headlines ahead of Sunday’s huge match with Manchester City are focused on off the field issues and not the performance of his players.
Mourinho is a master of diverting attention, and pressure, from his players and his stance against Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro looks like Jose being Jose.
Carneiro was heavily criticised by the Blues boss on Saturday after she treated Eden Hazard on the field late in their 2-2 draw at home to Swansea in the Premier League on Saturday, leading to Hazard being forced off and putting already 10-man Chelsea down to nine for a short time.
Mourinho was furious at Carneiro’s decision to enter the field and treat Hazard, and vented his anger at her as she returned to his technical area.
Mourinho then confirmed to Sky Sports after the game that he was “not happy” with his medical staff.
“Even if you are a kit man, doctor or secretary on the bench, you have to understand the game.
“You have to know you have one player less and when you go to the pitch to assist a player, you have to make sure your player has a serious injury.
“I was sure he hadn’t a serious problem. He had a knock, he was very tired. But my medical department – on an impulse – was naive and left me with eight outfield players in a counter-attack after a set piece.”
Carneiro has reportedly been banned from sitting on the Chelsea bench during matches and traveling with the tam, but she will continue to be the Bluesfirst-team doctor.
