Moses has been terrific —Mourinho

AUGUST 7, 2013 

Moses

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Victor Moses, describing the player as being terrific. In a pre-match conference in the United States on Monday the Portuguese paid particular attention to the Nigerian, who won the penalty that Eden Hazard scored against Inter before assisting Andre Schurrle’s late finish in the 2-0 win over AC Milan on Sunday. Moses was introduced into the Milan game in the second half together with compatriot Mikel Obi.

Mourinho who spoke largely on his new squad said that he would have to change his team from match to match but was delighted to have so many options available to him. He then emphasised the game-changing potential of Moses whom the club acquired last year under Roberto di Matteo.

He said, “Victor (Moses) has been terrific. He is another one who is working very hard. He hasn’t missed a single minute of a training session.

“I think Victor is a very good option for us. In Victor’s position we have Hazard, (Kevin) De Bruyne, Schurrle – it’s a position where a coach can make a change during a match and give new life and fresh blood to the team. He is a player who makes the squad stronger and gives us options.”

The Mourinho comment should end all transfer speculations tied to Moses. The Super Eagles player was heavily linked in a move to Everton where his former boss at Wigan Athletic Roberto Martinez has just taken charge as a replacement for David Moyes.

Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar all impressed last term and Moses also played his part, which now leaves Mourinho with some major selection decisions to ponder ahead of the new season. But the returnee manager says he is glad to have so many good players to ensure Chelsea enjoy a successful year.

“Where can I fit all the players in? I hope to play 60 matches. So we will use rotation of players that’s for sure,” Mourinho told reporters.

The Stamford Bridge team finished third in the Premier League last term and were eliminated at the group stage in the Champions League but, under interim manager Rafael Benitez, reached the semi finals of the FA Cup and won the Europa League.

Chelsea will face Real Madrid on Wednesday in the finals of the Guinness International Champions Cup competition to be played in Miami. By the weekend Moses highlighted how excited he was with the games in the US and as well confirmed he would be in South Africa with the Eagles for the Nelson Mandela Challenge.