In a private conversation which was recorded by French journalists and later revealed to the public, Jose Mourinho discussed how he will not be able to win the Premier League title with Chelsea this season as he has no quality strikers at his disposal. He also went on to say that 32-year-old Eto’o could be as old as 35.

Fernando Torres started and scored before being substituted for Eto’o late in the second half during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16. Demba Ba was an unused substitute.

The trio have failed to perform up to standards this season with Chelsea continually linked with a proven goal scorer. Mourinho’s comments were expected to force a backlash from his strikers but, according to TEAMtalk, the duo have somewhat surprisingly dismissed his criticism.

Eto’o said, “I am Samuel Eto’o, what can I say? If at 36 and 37 I can score three goals at Manchester United it means that I still have some juice and I can even score until I am 50. But I really don’t care, what is really important to me is to give my maximum to the team, to help them to win some titles.”

Ba said, “I am feeling good. The relationship is OK – there is nothing exciting to tell you. I just keep smiling, keep fighting, keep training well and things will come. That’s probably the way he thinks; I have my way to think as well and – nothing special – I don’t have an issue with anyone.”

So it seems the unfortunate incident has not soured the attitudes of Mourinho’s strikers towards him which means they must know he has a point.