Mourinho is asked about South African rugby players being at Cobham this week, but clearly doesn’t to talk about such trivial matters.

In fact, he uses it as a springboard to criticise the British media.

“You are not going to get any funny headlines out of me,” he says.

“I treat you the same way your bosses treat me: no respect. No respect.

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“I am not speaking about football.

“Football I will expect every type of critic, even the stupid ones. [But] private life and stupid things that you bring to the light…

“I don’t like it, so we go to a different level of professional relations.”
Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley
12:21 Key event
‘The players were always together’

So what has been the catalyst for the recent upturn in fortunes?

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“I don’t know. I just know the team was always together.

“The players were man enough to assume responsibility and to say publicly they were feeling responsibility in the individual poor start.

“The statistics are very clear for us. we scored six goals from isolated individual mistakes but the team was always together.

“The group was always compact and solid and together but obviously the mood improves with results.

“I don’t want to go to the crisis direction. I go match after match.”

Mourinho pleased with recent improvement

Mourinho says he has seen an improvement from his players in the last two games.

“The victory against Aston Villa was a very good result an the draw against Dynamo was a positive result,” he says.

“We could feel some individual performances. One example: Matic went from being on the bench against Villa to being man of the match for UEFA three days later.

“But other players also improve.”
Reuters / Stefan Wermuth
12:16

There is a question about a couple of videos that have been circulating.

A Chelsea spokesman says “The two teenagers followed him for 20 minutes from his home and went beyond the grounds of reasonable behaviour.”
Their behaviour was viewed as “overly intrusive” and Mourinho “strongly refutes” intimidation allegations.
Mourinho and his legal team are monitoring the situation.
12:13
The silent treatment

Mourinho is asked to give his view on Dimitri Payet, who will be looking to continue his impressive form for West Ham against Chelsea tomorrow.

The Blues boss refuses, shaking his head and just saying, “No”.

O…K then
12:11 Key event
Will Hazard play on Saturday?

Mourinho is asked about Eden Hazard, who returned to the starting line-up on Tuesday after being dropped against Aston Villa last weekend.

“He played the last match for 90 minutes and was part of the compact team that kept that clean sheet,” Jose says.

“You have lots of people giving opinions and speaking about him. I’m happy with his contribution against Dinamo and that’s it.”

Will he play against West Ham, then?

“I don’t know.”
Clive Rose/Getty
Eden Hazard looks on
12:10
Defensive changes paying off

The next question is about the two clean sheets in a row, against Aston Villa and Dynamo Kiev.

“It is important,” says Mourinho.

“Not just the clean sheets but the way the team played to keep them.

“It was not a super goalkeeping performance… they were both based on good teamwork.

“I try the best decisions for the team and analyse opponents and what the team can be and try to reduce that unpredictability of every match but you are right that this is not about defenders.

“It is about the team as a team and they defended well in both matches.”

Mourinho knows West Ham pose a threat

Mourinho says it will be tough to get up to pace after midweek exertions in Kiev.

“It is not an easy week but we played Tuesday. It’s better that you have one more day.”

Will West Ham provide a challenge?

“I look to the table. It is easy.

“Look at the table and see where they are, where we are and it’s easy to take conclusions.”

Falcao wanted by Fiorentina

Italian giants Fiorentina are chasing Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao.

They have made enquiries about a January loan switch for the Colombian striker who has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea may be willing to let 29-year-old Falcao out on loan if they can bring in another striker in January.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen his attacking options but any deal for Falcao would need clearance from his parent club Monaco.
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