Former Barcelona and Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta feels that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is going through the most difficult period of his managerial career as he struggles to get his Premier League holders going this campaign.
The Blues, who won the Premier League at a canter last season, have endured a difficult start to their title defence as they sit 16th in the league standings having lost four of their eight league games and won only twice.
On the other hand, Manchester City have started brightly and have already opened up a ten-point lead in the race for the league title over the reigning English champions.
And Mendieta feels Mourinho, who has won league titles in Portugal, England, Spain and Italy as well as two Champions Leagues, is struggling and going through the most difficult phase of his managerial career.
“Chelsea doesn't seem to find a way to win games”, the former midfielder exclusively told Inside Futbol.
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“Mourinho admitted that himself. He is struggling.
"It’s the most difficult moment of his career – when you have the pressure to win and you don’t win.
“City found a good style and rhythm of football this year.
“They are ten points ahead of Chelsea and it seems there is a big gap between the two.”
On being asked if internal strife in the squad is the reason behind Chelsea’s struggles the former Spain international refuted the notion, saying Mourinho is always in control of his dressing room, and most likely, he is even now.
“I am sure Mourinho is in control, like he always is.
“When the team is not winning, every little detail has a bigger impact.
“That’s the moment where Chelsea is at – everything seems to go wrong and everything seems to have a big impact.”
