Mourinho makes case for the defence
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is adamant he has no cause for concern over his side's defensive record heading into their English Premier League clash with Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Questions have been raised over whether the Blues' back line is as strong as it has been in the past three seasons, after they conceded four goals in their opening three matches.Injuries to key defenders, including John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge since the start of the campaign have not made life easy for Mourinho.The Portuguese boss has bought Brazilian international right-back Juliano Belletti from Barcelona, after the west London outfit failed to secure the signature of Dani Alves from Sevilla.Despite the obvious need for Mourinho to add depth to his defensive options, he refuses to show any fear about leaking more goals. He would rather stress his side's improved attacking edge, which has helped them find the net six times."I am happy with the amount of goals we are scoring," Mourinho said."In previous seasons we were criticised for not scoring many, and people now criticise us for conceding too may goals, but people should praise our attacking way at the moment."This is a new Chelsea in the way we play, but is the old Chelsea in the way we fight for points."One attacking option is now gone, after Netherlands winger Arjen Robben signed for Real Madrid, while Ukraine forward Andriy Shevchenko appears short of full fitness.Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are expected to start in attack against Pompey, while Ghana midfielder Michael Essien will be fit to start following a knock to his knee in midweek.Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth, meanwhile, have been given good news regarding their defence.Sol Campbell, Lauren and Noe Pamarot are all in line to feature at Stamford Bridge.The south coast outfit have been struggling for numbers too in recent weeks, but hope the trio will help them frustrate Mourinho's side.Djimi Traore is one of the defenders who has performed superbly in their last two games -- a draw with Manchester United and win over Bolton -- but realises their next two matches are going to be even more difficult.Eight days after the trip to Chelsea, Portsmouth visit Arsenal."It doesn't get any easier, with the next two away games against two of the best teams in the Premier League," Traore admitted."We know that away from home last season our results weren't good and we had a difficult time. But I think the difference this year is we have a stronger squad."To call Portsmouth's away form below average is an understatement.They have not won on their travels in the last 12 attempts -- only Fulham have a worse record in the entire country.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is adamant he has no cause for concern over his side's defensive record heading into their English Premier League clash with Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Questions have been raised over whether the Blues' back line is as strong as it has been in the past three seasons, after they conceded four goals in their opening three matches.Injuries to key defenders, including John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge since the start of the campaign have not made life easy for Mourinho.The Portuguese boss has bought Brazilian international right-back Juliano Belletti from Barcelona, after the west London outfit failed to secure the signature of Dani Alves from Sevilla.Despite the obvious need for Mourinho to add depth to his defensive options, he refuses to show any fear about leaking more goals. He would rather stress his side's improved attacking edge, which has helped them find the net six times."I am happy with the amount of goals we are scoring," Mourinho said."In previous seasons we were criticised for not scoring many, and people now criticise us for conceding too may goals, but people should praise our attacking way at the moment."This is a new Chelsea in the way we play, but is the old Chelsea in the way we fight for points."One attacking option is now gone, after Netherlands winger Arjen Robben signed for Real Madrid, while Ukraine forward Andriy Shevchenko appears short of full fitness.Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are expected to start in attack against Pompey, while Ghana midfielder Michael Essien will be fit to start following a knock to his knee in midweek.Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth, meanwhile, have been given good news regarding their defence.Sol Campbell, Lauren and Noe Pamarot are all in line to feature at Stamford Bridge.The south coast outfit have been struggling for numbers too in recent weeks, but hope the trio will help them frustrate Mourinho's side.Djimi Traore is one of the defenders who has performed superbly in their last two games -- a draw with Manchester United and win over Bolton -- but realises their next two matches are going to be even more difficult.Eight days after the trip to Chelsea, Portsmouth visit Arsenal."It doesn't get any easier, with the next two away games against two of the best teams in the Premier League," Traore admitted."We know that away from home last season our results weren't good and we had a difficult time. But I think the difference this year is we have a stronger squad."To call Portsmouth's away form below average is an understatement.They have not won on their travels in the last 12 attempts -- only Fulham have a worse record in the entire country.
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