Jose 'Not Pleased' with Essien Injury

By 40 Years A Blue
January 2 2006

Jose Mourinho had plenty to say in the post match press conference after Chelsea's well-deserved 3-1 at Upton Park this Bank Holiday lunchtime.

 He spoke about the game, Lampard and the tackle on Essien. He was in total agreement with West Ham's Alan Pardew about the hectic schedule that both teams have now completed.

On the Christmas programme he said, "This is a very difficult period for every team, but especially those without the squad to cope." JM revealed part of his team talk by saying "I told them before the game, their defenders played 270 minutes in one week. Drogba, Crespo, Robben, Duff, they play half of it."

Pardew said in response, "It was tough call for us because of the amount of games, but they [West Ham’s players] astounded me with their energy today. We’re up against a very very good side."

"Stretched as we was, I thought we gave an honest account of ourselves. You’re hoping Chelsea have an off day, but I thought they were very good today by the way."

"They are world class players, the league’s stronger than it ever was. Ray Carroll made three or four fantastic saves."

On Super Frank, Jose said "First of all it was difficult for him because he was ill at Man City and lost a lot of energy, and to recover was not easy. Second half he was feeling that situation. I think people realise now they can make what noise they want, it will not affect his performance."

On the Essien tackle which forced the Ghanian International to be substituted after thirteen mimutes with possible ankle ligament damage Jose said, "We have to wait for news on Essien. Essien is injured and cannot walk. We have to wait for scans and X-rays which the medical department will be responsible for. I don't know how serious Essien's injury is but all I know is that he cannot walk and his ankle is swollen. I don't want to speak about Reo-Coker but I can imagine what would be said if it had been the other way round."

Jose finished by saying, "Essien is suspended for the Champions League and cannot tackle or he gets an immediate yellow card. Today the foul was on him and he is out - he cannot walk."

40 YEARS A BLUE!