Mourinho Has Big Decisions For Hull Clash

Mourinho Has Big Decisions For Hull Clash

According to ESPN, Jose Mourinho will have big decisions to make regarding the starting lineup against Barclays Premier League newcomers Hull City in the opening weekend of the league, after the former Real Madrid boss revealed earlier this week about a possibility of regular player rotation to adjust to different competitions.

Chelsea begin their hunt of the Premier League title this weekend, and they face a rejuvenated Hull side who are freshly promoted from the Championship. Hull did have a run in the top flight under the leadership of then manager Phil Brown in 2008, and played impressive football fighting each season to stay up. However, the club were finally relegated in 2010, and that was the year Egyptian owner Assem Allam took over the club and vowed to bring back the good times. Allam was true to his word, and brought the club back into the top flight with the help of current manager Steve Bruce. Every side is strengthening in one department of play or the other, and Hull have managed to seal the deal for Tottenham Hotspur duo Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore. They have also brought experience in the goalkeeping department, with the arrival of former Rangers legend Allan McGregor, and former Newcastle United servant Steve Harper.

Mourinho spoke about the fact that he will have to use a rotation policy to keep his players fit, and given the intensity of the league and the regularity in fixtures, the depth of the Chelsea squad will immensely help the manager pick his important players for key games. Also, different types of players will be used against different opposition, and the strength of his substitute’s bench suggests Chelsea will almost always pose a threat to the opposition.

The spot of the central defenders is also one which will see the same dispute. John Terry has been leading the Chelsea defence over the past decade, and there is no doubt he will start. However, Mourinho will have balance games between Gary Cahill and David Luiz, both needing quality games for their chances in next year’s FIFA World Cup.