Jose Mourinho Reportedly Losing Composure Amid Eva Carneiro Chelsea Row

Jose Mourinho’s much-publicised public spat with his medical team is reportedly the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Chelsea manager’s overall frustration.

As reported by Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail, Blues doctor Eva Carneiro has been in hot water with the Portuguese after her decision to attend to Eden Hazard in the latter stages of Chelsea’s opening-day draw with Swansea City. It meant the Belgian winger had to be withdrawn, and the Blues, who had had Thibaut Courtois sent off, were temporarily reduced to nine players.

Subsequently, she has been banned from the bench and various key preparatory exercises. But Barlow writes that this issue is part of a picture of wider angst that has gripped the Chelsea boss:

"

Players have noticed that the Chelsea manager has been far removed from his usual composed and controlled self on the training pitch.

He is giving off signs of stress at a time of year when he ought to be relaxed, especially having won the title and signed a new, four-year contract. Mourinho, however, is easily agitated when things turn against him and a little control escapes his grasp. And when his team do not win. …

Mourinho's touchline outburst may well have been an explosion of pent-up frustration but his stinging post-match criticism proved that he has no respect for the doctor's understanding of the game, a feeling reinforced by his subsequent actions.

"

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

After securing the Premier League title at a canter in 2014-15, the Blues’ preparations for their Premier League defence have been far from ideal. The side have struggled for form in pre-season and have looked jaded in matches on home soil since returning from their overseas tour. As Squawka Football note, Chelsea haven’t won any of their last six games inside 90 minutes.

Mourinho has also been widely criticised for his scathing attack on Carneiro, in which, as mentioned by Barlow, he accused the doctor of not understanding the game.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

As reported by Aisha Gani and James Riach of the Guardian, leading physician Peter Brukner labelled the manager’s conduct as “absolutely appalling.” Dr Mark Gillett, the chairman of the Premier League Doctors’ Group has also cited Mourinho’s decision to ban Carneiro as “unjust in the extreme.”

There’s no denying Jose has cut an unhappy figure in recent weeks, and it’s usually around this time that the status quo is disrupted during his managerial stints.

After all, in his distinguished managerial career to date, Mourinho has never been in a role for more than four seasons. This is his third year in his second spell at Chelsea, and although the Stamford Bridge faithful love him regardless, there are some early signs that the former Real Madrid boss is beginning to get a little unsettled.

PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/Getty Images

Nonetheless, it’s important Mourinho showcases some renewed focus moving forward. When you lead in the pugnacious manner he does, it’s imperative to set a strong example for those following. So if he begins to unravel, as has happened in previous roles, expect the playing staff to quickly follow suit.

When all is said and done, the Blues head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday knowing a defeat would see them fall five points behind Manchester City.

For all the faux outrage that seems to be pouring from the Portuguese at the moment, a deficit like that just two weeks into a new campaign is something he should have genuine concerns about.