Cole the role model, Terry tells team-mates

CHELSEA captain John Terry believes any disgruntled player at Stamford Bridge should follow the example of Joe Cole if they want to make a success of their career under Jose Mourinho.

Terry has moved quickly to try and halt stories of players being unsettled by not playing regularly. Mourinho publicly rebuked Defender Ricardo Carvalho for complaining about not starting against Wigan last week.

And winger Arjen Robben looks set to be dropped against WBA tomorrow night after saying Mourinho’s rotation of players could affect his rhythm.

Terry has reminded team-mates of Cole’s attitude last season when he waited a long time and never revealed his disappointment in public.

“Players have got to have that drive in themselves to keep working hard. Look at Joe last year. When he got his chance he was scoring goals and playing well, but he didn’t really get that opportunity at the start.

“But we had a few injuries and then he played four or five games on the bounce and that did him the world of good. He looked fitter, he looked sharper and he stayed in the side for the rest of the season.

“He was also man enough to take criticism on the chin and he listened to what the manager had to say. If the manager is opinionated about something and says you need to defend more and forget the attacking side for the good of the team then that is what you should do and that’s what Cole did.

“He had a look at himself and he improved as a player and now he has his England place as well. He is an example to the other players. Everyone knows the situation at the club, if you are not playing one week, you will play the next because games come thick and fast.”

Carvalho is paying the price, having been fined two week’s wages and been left out of the squad for the 1-0 win over Arsenal. But Terry insists Mourinho has no problem with players disagreeing with him as long as they say it to his face rather than to the press.

Speaking yesterday at the launch of his book My Winning Season, Terry added: “The manager has always said in meetings ‘if anyone has anything to say to me whether it’s bad or good, get up and say it and have the bottle to say it. Let’s clear things now rather than come in on Saturday with things on your chest still bugging you’.

“Obviously I speak to the players anyway and ask what’s wrong. A lot of time they come to me and ask what the manager is thinking just to get that bit of communication between us all. To get things out in the open is good. Once the air is cleared it can only be good for the team and the player.”

Chelsea have begun the season in formidable fashion with two wins, including their first over Arsenal for 10 years in the league, without playing at their best. Terry feels it is a good sign they can repeat their title triumph.

“The Manchester United game was very early last year and it proved to be vital for us and hopefully the Arsenal win will be the same. It was very special to beat them after 19 games and the Champions League is the only time I have beaten them since I have been at the club.

“There is better to come from us but it is the same for everyone. We are still not at our best and clicking together.”