Jose Mourinho will attempt to put a troubled festive campaign behind him when Chelsea resume their English Premier League title push against Newcastle United today.
Mourinho’s side have allowed second-placed Manchester City to move level on points at the top of the table after a draw with Southampton and a defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in their past two league matches.
As if squandering an eight-point lead over City was not frustrating enough for the Chelsea manager, Mourinho discovered on Thursday that he had been hit by a Football Association (FA) misconduct charge for comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor after the Southampton clash.
Photo: AFP
Mourinho claimed there is a “clear campaign by people, pundits, commentators and coaches from other teams” against Chelsea and labeled the booking of Cesc Fabregas for diving in a 1-1 draw at Southampton as a “scandal.”
“It is alleged his remarks constitute improper conduct in that they allege and/or imply bias on the part of a referee or referees and/or bring the game into disrepute,” a statement issued by the FA read.
Mourinho, who does not view officials as being part of any campaign against Chelsea, but fears they may have been influenced by it, has until Tuesday to respond to the charge.
Photo: AFP
Mourinho responded to the charge by withdrawing from his scheduled weekly press conference yesterday.
The former Real Madrid boss was scheduled to meet the press yesterday lunchtime to preview the clash against Newcastle, but shortly after the FA announced the charge Chelsea revealed assistant manager Steve Holland would face the media instead.
Chelsea responded positively to the 5-3 defeat at White Hart Lane with a 3-0 win over Watford in the FA Cup third round last weekend, but victory over the Championship side was achieved only after Mourinho made a double substitution at halftime, introducing Willian and Diego Costa after an unconvincing first-half display.
That raised questions about the quality of the Mourinho’s backup players, with Andre Schuerrle once again failing to impress during a 45-minute appearance.
With Chelsea due to play six times before the end of the month, the manager is certain to need all the players at his disposal if his side are to maintain a challenge on four fronts.
The visit of Newcastle has been overshadowed by reports of a possible shock move for Argentina forward Lionel Messi, whose relationship with Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been placed under scrutiny.
Mourinho has repeatedly played down any suggestion Messi might move to Stamford Bridge and will no doubt maintain that stance as he attempts to ensure his side are not knocked off the top of the table.
After making eight changes to his starting lineup for the visit of Watford, the manager will revert to a more familiar starting XI against Newcastle.
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