New Mou era launches

Jose Mourinho says the result of his first game back in charge of Chelsea is not the most important thing, but the Portuguese coach does not want to start his second stint with a defeat against the Singha All Star XI at Rajamangala National Stadium today.

Almost six years since leaving the west London club, the charismatic Mourinho, still the most successful Blues manager in history, could not have asked for a better game to begin his second Chelsea reign. The collection of players from Thai Premier League clubs that Singha Corp support should provide a good work out for his players.

With visiting EPL champions Manchester United stunned 1-0 at the weekend in David Moyes’ first game in charge, Mourinho is well aware of the threat posed by the Singha side, especially as his charges are still trying to build fitness ahead of the start of the new season in mid-August. 

“I sent my assistants to see that match. The Thai team is good. There were not just Thai players but also players from other countries. They played with a tactical system which is not easy to play against,” said Mourinho.

“This match is part of our preparation [for the EPL season]. We are not in proper condition. We are far from [United’s]. We are tired. But I don’t like to lose and they don’t like to lose.

“So, tomorrow for sure my boys will try to get the result. To lose is not a drama, to lose doesn’t change anything in the team. Winning is part of our culture and if we can do that even in friendly matches we have to do it.”

“We will play two different teams, one in first half and the other in second half. I am going give every player 45 minutes. They know they have to show strong performance over 45 minutes.  

“We will work hard to win. It’s not the most important thing to get the result but we want to do it,” said the 50-year-old.

Living up to his reputation as one of world football’s most charismatic figures, the Portuguese revealed, unbidden, the name of each player he intended to field in each half.

He then paused, revealing his sense of humour as he turned to Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic and asked, “Is there anyone else in our squad?”

Ivanovic joined the club after Mourinho left Stamford Bridge in 2007 but revealed he was relishing the opportunity to work with a manager who led the club to back-to-back Premier League titles during his first spell. 

“We feel in this moment very confident and we have passed a very difficult week. In that first week everyone [could sense] a big motivation. I hope we are going to start well and finish well. Between [now and then] we have very hard work [to do]. The beginning is everything and this is our base for the season. I know [that] with this kind of work we are not missing any motivation, for sure.

“I think he has been in the heart of all Chelsea supporters all these years. Everyone expected him to be back and, as I said before, we are very happy he is here and he can improve us.

“We really enjoyed [the first week under Mourinho] and it has been impressive, but we have to stay focused from the first to the last day and we have to prove to him every day we can play hard games. A lot of things depend on the manager and us on the field.”