Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Didi Hamann: This is why Chelsea were right to sack Jose Mourinho
MANCHESTER UNITED's problems under Jose Mourinho this season vindicate Chelsea's decision to sack him, according to Didi Hamann.
Mourinho plays down Rooney controversy
Chelsea axed Jose Mourinho in December last year after a disastrous start to their Premier League title defence.
The Portuguese boss joined Manchester United this summer and has endured similar struggles.
United are sixth in the Premier League, nine points off leaders Chelsea who have excelled under manager Antonio Conte this term.
With Mourinho it was all about him. Not the players
And former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Hamann believes Chelsea did the right thing in sacking Mourinho.
"(Chelsea) are strong at the back and they’ve already kept seven clean sheets this season, but they play exciting, attacking football," Hamann told Paddy Power.
"That’s something you didn’t used to associate with Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho has struggled for consistent results at Manchester United this season
Mourinho lost his job at Chelsea last December
"Although they were successful, physical and functional, they were never free-flowing.
"They are a completely different team under Conte.
"A lot of Chelsea players have blossomed now with Jose Mourinho gone – including Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Victor Moses.
"It was a brave call to get rid of Jose, but it was the right call as his behaviour at the club left them with no choice.
"With Mourinho it was all about him. Not the players.
Dietmar Hamann (left) played for Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League
"Football is a team game and he has the same problem at Manchester United now, where he thinks it is all about him.
"That’s why the players don’t play to their ability."
Chelsea can extend their lead at the top of the table if they beat Tottenham in Saturday's 5.30pm kick off and other results go their way.
United, meanwhile, host West Ham on Sunday (4.30pm) as they hope to stretch their unbeaten run to four games.
Didi Hamann was speaking exclusively to the Paddy Power Blog. To read more visit Blog.PaddyPower.com.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?