According to ESPN, John Obi Mikel has suggested that the fear factor instilled in his team mates by new manager Jose Mourinho is the reason the squad are starting to pull together as the season progresses into the second and deciding half.

Despite Mourinho’s introduction this season, all has not been well as for the results, and not signing a proven striker in the summer may prove costly for the Blues. Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba have hardly stepped up to the mark, while Fernando Torres continues to struggle in his search for the back of the net. However, due to results going their way and scrapping close wins, Chelsea sit in 3rd place just two points off the top of the Barclays Premier League table. As for the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea are strong contenders as they face Turkish giants Galatasaray in the Round of 16 next month. Both these stats mean Chelsea still have a fair chance of winning both competitions, and signing a striker this window would significantly fill a gaping hole in the side, and let off some of the pressure on the midfielders. Given Mourinho’s stature and Chelsea’s financial power, the task may not be too difficult for the London based outfit.

Mikel has been a loyal servant for Mourinho, and the midfielder was also present during the manager’s first stint at the club. The Nigerian has only featured in 14 matches so far in the league, and has been rotated with Ramires, Frank Lampard and Willian.

Mikel said, “He [Mourinho] always wants us to play in a certain way and give 110%. If you don’t, you’re out,

“As a player, that’s what you want.

“You don’t want to slack, you don’t want to sit down and think: ‘You’re the best, I don’t want to defend or I don’t want to run.’ If you don’t do those things, you don’t play.”