There are several Chelsea players whose dips in form correlate directly with the Blues downturn in fortunes.
High on such a list would be Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matic and John Terry.
The first two have received the lion’s share of criticism for their on-field roles in the Blues’ struggle, while the suddenly-struggling Chelsea center back has been given more of a pass.
[ JPW: Five ways Mourinho can fix Chelsea ]
That happens when you’re an England hero, but Terry did not shy away from addressing his struggles and defending his manager during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League pre-match press conference.
For example, from the BBC:
“In all aspects he is by far, a long, long way, the best manager I have worked with. We are going to turn this round. He will be in charge for the rest of the season and long after I have finished because he is the best man to take the club forward.”
And Terry also blasted the idea of a player revolt, defending Mourinho. Perhaps most amusing, Terry took a shot at outspoken pundit Robbie Savage, the former journeyman whose criticism often, well, fails to make much sense.
“We are where we are. I have come under criticism from players I have looked up to and take it on the chin. Rio, Gary Neville etc.
“When certain other people speak, maybe I don’t listen from players who have played at a really bad level, who haven’t had a career. Robbie Savage being one. He has dug me out a couple of times. I take it from the very best, other people no.”
There are plenty of reasons to not be a John Terry fan. Today’s press conference should not be included on any such list.
