Mourinho: It’s time for Blues to be brave

Jose Mourinho wants Chelsea to secure their Champions League progression at Basel tonight before turning their focus on the hectic festive schedule which is “only for the braves”.

Chelsea need a point to advance but a fourth straight win, following the opening loss at home to Basel, would secure top spot in Group E ahead of the final encounter with Steaua Bucharest on December 11.

In comments reminiscent of his first spell — when Mourinho sported a crew-cut and memorably stated “I am ready for the war” — Mourinho stated his desire to beat Basel and then focus on eight domestic fixtures in December, seven of them in the Premier League.