Jose Mourinho, while talking about Juan Mata, mentioned how Chelsea were defensive in 2014/15. This is another reminder of the problems the club has been shying away from.
Chelsea won both the Premier League and the League Cup in 2014/15. However, last season saw a dramatic collapse from the Blues as they finished 10th. Under new management, the pains have still not disappeared. Jose Mourinho’s recent comments regarding his 2014/15 squad have only reinforced the idea that Chelsea have been on the brink of disaster for some time.
During his first campaign back at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho sold fan-favourite Juan Mata. Despite rumours suggesting that he would once again sell the Spaniard at Manchester United, the player has flourished. While discussing his new relationship with Mata, Mourinho spoke about how he fits his Manchester project much better than his West London one.
"Juan at Chelsea in my project was one player, and Juan in my project at Man United is another thing…[Chelsea] were playing in a defensive block when we won the title in 2014-15, and it’s one thing having players for that and another having players trying to play in a different way and we are trying to play in a different way. – via Daily Mail"
While many fans are misty-eyed about the quality of football they produced during the first half of that successful season, Mourinho has confirmed what the cynics said. The Blues literally had to defend their way to the title.
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A rock-solid defence is key to a successful team, there is no disputing that. Furthermore, there is no shame in building a team from the back. However, it is now evident that Chelsea relied on their defence not as a choice, but as a necessity.
The Blues played some awful football as they limped towards the title. What people may forget is that Manchester City slipped up at every opportunity to put pressure on them. Had Manuel Pellegrini’s men enjoyed the form that is characteristic of Premier League champions, Chelsea would probably have failed to finish on top.
The West Londoners weren’t defending confidently, they were scrapping and grinding out wins. The success of that campaign allowed the charade to continue for another three months, as they failed to do the necessary recruitment. Eventually, the world came crashing down in 2015/16.
This summer, the optimists were convinced that Antonio Conte would turn things around immediately. One month into the campaign and the systemic issues at Stamford Bridge are exposed.
Whether it be the development of youth, or external recruiting, Chelsea do not have a good squad. Mourinho claimed last season that he had been the cause of the success in 2014/15. He had enabled the team to play at a level much higher than they actually were.
It seems that he was right. His tactics and organisation led Chelsea to the double. Talent hasn’t suddenly disappeared over the last 12 months, it simply was not there to begin with.