Nemanja Matic has denied rumours regarding frictions between him and the Chelsea boss.
Chelsea FC midfielder Nemanja Matic has commented on press reports claiming that a rift has developed between himself and manager Jose Mourinho. The Serbian did not start last weekend’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
"In my life I have never had a problem with any coach, because all coaches respect that I am very professional, I do my best.So with Mourinho, it is the same…I respect not only him but all coaches which I’ve had in my life."
Matic has been one of the several Blues players who have severely underperformed so far in this campaign. While the midfielder was an immovable object last time out, he has been markedly more porous this season and has left the backline overly exposed.
To a degree Matic has been forced to pull double-duty with the likes of Cesc Fabregas failing to bear their burden of the defensive workload, but the player himself would admit that he simply has not been up to scratch.
In an effort to shake him up, Mourinho omitted the Serb from the starting line-up on Saturday, opting for the impressive Ruben Loftus-Cheek instead. However, Matic was reinstated for the Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev and put in a performance that signalled a return to form.
With Chelsea’s poor start to the campaign, much speculation has surrounded the club regarding dressing room unrest and managerial issues. Consequently, when a player gets dropped he immediately becomes the subject of such talk.
Furthermore, Matic was subbed on before being subbed off in under 30 minutes during the Southampton game.
The Serb, though, is saying all the right things to hush the provoking intentions of tabloid journalists. This is a bizarre situation for the Blues and one that requires the team to form a united front to facilitate a recovery. The midfielder has total faith in his boss to lead the charge.
"I try to give my best for the team. I try to do what the coach asks from me. What I can say about myself, is that I try always to give my best."
More from Chelsea FC News
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
- Chelsea sporting directors finally reveal why they sign so many young players
- These 3 new signings may never get a game at Chelsea
The international break has seemed to serve the Blues well. They returned to action with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Aston Villa before earning a decent point in Ukraine. Many players took the fortnight away from Cobham as an opportunity not just to regroup, but also to come out in support of Mourinho.
Now, Matic has done the same and it reflects how highly respected the under-pressure tactician is. If Chelsea are to make anything of this season, the whole club will have to rally around and put in a concerted effort.
With Chelsea now undefeated in their last two fixtures, that’s a start eh?
All quotes taken from the Evening Standard.
Next: Jose Mourinho Mocks Arsene Wenger Following Chelsea FC Draw