Future uncertain for Mourinho at Stamford Bridge
LONDON: The future of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho remained clouded in doubt on Sunday following the Premier League champions’ latest setback against Liverpool.
Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat on Saturday, their sixth in 11 league games, left them four points above the relegation zone and prompted more lurid newspaper headlines about the possible fate awaiting Mourinho.
Citing sources in Portugal, The Sunday Mirror said that Mourinho was “on the brink” and could be sacked before Wednesday’s Champions League home game against Dynamo Kiev.
Mourinho was defiant after Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge, dismissing suggestions that he had presided over his last match as manager and saying that he expected to be given more time by owner Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea gave Mourinho a public vote of confidence last month, but the team have won just one of their five matches since and saw their defence of the League Cup ended by Stoke City.
WENGER REFUSES TO MOCK MOURINHO
SWANSEA: Arsene Wenger chose not to gloat over the 14-point gap that exists between Arsenal and fierce rivals Chelsea after his side cruised to a 3-0 win over Swansea.
Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in a result that increased the feeling Mourinho, whose side are down in 15th place, is in danger of the sack, but Wenger refused the chance to mock his rival. “I don’t talk about that too much. We must focus on our own game and try to keep a good balance,” Wenger said.
VAN GAAL WARNS UNITED TO END GOAL DROUGHT
LONDON: Louis van Gaal showed his concern at Manchester United’s continued failings in front of goal as he warned his side must end their drought against CSKA Moscow next week. United failed to score for a third successive game when they played out a scoreless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.” Of course I am concerned (about the lack of goals), but today when you are not creating so many chances I cannot complain,” he said.
EVERTON THRASH SUNDERLAND 6-2
LIVERPOOL: Arouna Kone grabbed a hat trick as Everton went on a second-half goal frenzy to overpower Sunderland 6-2 in the Premier League on Sunday. Sunderland had pulled level to 2-2 by the 50th-minute but Sebastian Coates’ own goal then set Everton back on the path to ending a three-game winless run in the league.