Mourinho has damaged Chelsea

Former Chelsea defender, Graeme Le Saux has criticised Jose Mourinho for his recent actions, claiming he has damaged the reputation of the club.

Speaking to The Times, Le Saux believes Mourinho has tarnished efforts to push for equality in the sport with his recent clash with Chelsea club doctor, Eva Carneiro, who has since left the club following the altercation.

Le Saux enjoyed two spells at Chelsea during his career, and at one stage was the most expensive defender in the English game when he re-joined Chelsea in a £5m deal from Blackburn.

The former defender is now part of the FA Inclusion Advisory Board, he had this to say about Mourinho:

Mourinho doesn’t seem to have reflected on the damage he’s done to his own image, the reputation of the club and, more important, the reputation of the entire game.

Le Saux believes that Mourinho’s clash with Carneiro may make working in football less appealing for women in the future, and is worried the state of the game is only going backwards.

The whole furore may also deter women from becoming involved in football, as well discouraging clubs from employing them. A lot of people are working very hard to get the game in a better place but after the last few weeks it feels as if we’ve gone back 30 years.

Following speculation on his position at Chelsea, Le Saux questioned whether Mourinho really is ‘the special one’ anymore.

Unless you show an acceptance of your mistakes and take responsibility for you actions I question whether you re the best.

Mourinho and co will be hoping to set the record straight when they face Aston Villa this weekend.