Mourinho Takes Softer Tone Ahead of Liverpool Clash, Spares Balotelli from Criticism
After taking jabs at Liverpool earlier in the week, Chelsea manager José Mourinho struck a more measured tone during Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the highly anticipated Premier League clash with the Reds.
Though Mario Balotelli has come under heavy scrutiny for his poor form since rejoining the Premier League — with no goals in the league so far — Mourinho refrained from adding fuel to the fire.
“Suárez is a very good player and when a team loses good players, they lose something. But Liverpool have invested the money they raised very well,” said Mourinho, notably avoiding direct criticism of Balotelli.
This marks a shift in tone from earlier in the week when the Portuguese coach was more openly mocking in his remarks about Liverpool.
While Balotelli struggles to make an impact, Rickie Lambert, another summer arrival from Southampton, hasn’t fared much better. The veteran striker has made eight appearances but started only once, failing to score or fully convince manager Brendan Rodgers.
As Chelsea aim to maintain their lead at the top, the pressure remains firmly on Liverpool’s attacking options to prove their worth in the post-Suárez era.
