Expert claims Jose fosters siege mentality

Jose Mourinho’s tirade over perceived injustices against his Chelsea side may have been a tactic designed to invoke a siege mentality among his players.

The Chelsea boss railed about a “clear campaign” against his side after Cesc Fabregas was booked for diving in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Southampton, when the Spain midfielder could easily have been given a penalty.

The Sporting Mind’s Andy Barton, a mental performance coach, said: “Whether it’s consciously calculated, which is a strong possibility, or whether it’s an emotional response, which is also a strong possibility, Mourinho has, time and time again, shown a siege mentality with his teams, by creating common enemies.

“If you make yourself out to be a victim in a situation, if you’ve got loyalty in your team, which he does, it just creates a stronger bond.

“If you create a common enemy you have something to rally your team around and so they’re supporting a particular cause. You create a purpose in your team.”

Mourinho’s comments are a tactic familiar to Premier League audiences and reminiscent of another fine sports psychologist.

Barton added: “It’s the kind of thing Alex Ferguson was very good at; making a point in a way where it made other people think.”