Does Jose Mourinho's Positive Approach Signal the End of Chelsea's Nightmare?
Just like that, Jose Mourinho squashed the story.
"It's over, let's forget it," the Chelsea manager responded when asked for his views on his stadium ban against Stoke City a fortnight ago.
Mourinho was right to brush it off. A lot has happened in the world since then; the agenda's changed. Why bring the spotlight back on him and the club by warranting the question with an answer?
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
The response from Mourinho was as refreshing as it was surprising given his track record. As recently as February, he was still eager to discuss a perceived campaign against Chelsea despite a 10-day media blackout.
This was different. He was calmer, more considered.
February's issues revolved around the so-called "Diego Costa crimes," but the recent hyperbole has been much more personal for Mourinho.
It's been about his Chelsea future, his state of mind, his ability as a coach.
The pressure cooker looked ready to pop before the international break. The rap sheet was growing ever longer and Chelsea's fortunes seemed to be getting worse.
Now Mourinho has shown he's better for a fortnight away. Emotionally at least, he's pulled things together.
A fresh haircut helped the Chelsea manager appear less ragged than he has been at any stage this season. If appearances can be deceptive, the manager's brief statements to the gathered media at Cobham told us there was no ulterior motive.
"There is trust and there are reasons for that trust," he said of his relationship with Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea board.
"The power is with the board and they have shown to me and the players that they trust us. It's time for us to give a positive answer. I think we are doing this, but not in the results."
Perhaps Mourinho has done some soul searching since that Stoke defeat. Perhaps he has taken heed of the advice that's been flooding his way.
Whatever has happened, it's helped. He looked a completely different man on Friday.
It should be welcomed, too. The headlines heading into this weekend's visit of Norwich City are about football for once and not Mourinho.
As Chelsea's crisis has dragged on this season, the manager has helped feed the controversy. He's been under pressure because of results, but he hasn't helped himself by attacking match officials, the FA and anyone else who has stood in his way.
This renewed positive approach must now be answered by his players. They need to respond and support Mourinho in the same way technical director Michael Emenalo has suggested the board should.
Speaking in a revealing interview with Sam Wallace of the Daily Telegraph this week, Emenalo gave an interesting insight to how Chelsea functions at board level.
He spoke of Abramovich's trust in the manager, but also conceded that perhaps Mourinho hasn't been given the public support he has needed from the top.
"Maybe we have to find a better way to help him, to work with him, a better way within the hierarchy.
[...] Because Jose is the one who goes out to meet the press immediately after games, which can be difficult—not just for Jose, but any manager in the Premier League [who has] to go out and always be reasonable.
We recognise that and we have to find a way to help him out in those situations.
"
The message Emenalo was preaching was one of unity. It's not all about Mourinho—there are others who should take the flak at times.
From that interview to Mourinho's pre-Norwich press conference, the landscape has shifted in west London. Things seem calmer at Stamford Bridge and a win this weekend will help maintain the facade, if we can call it that.
Sitting in 16th place in the Premier League, Chelsea have much to do to reverse their fortunes.
Mourinho's taken that first step.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
