Mourinho explains Willian and Matic substitutions

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho defended his decision to replace both Nemanja Matic and Willian during the defeat by Southampton and leave Cesc Fabregas on the field.

Boos were heard at Stamford Bridge when Willian, who had scored the opening goal, was taken off after 64 minutes, while Matic – who had only come at half-time – played just 27 minutes.

But Mourinho insisted Willian had been ill at the break and could not continue, and rejected accusations he had humiliated Matic with his early substitution.

He said: “When the fans boo the Willian decision, I would do that too if I didn’t know he was vomiting at half-time and the doctor said it would be hard for him to carry on.

“[With Matic], it was not humiliating. I do not do that to anyone, in football or in life.

“I like the players, I trust them and I know that they are good players. But I know that some are in a difficult moment.

“Matic is not playing well, he is not sharp defensively, not good with the ball and he is not making the right decisions.

“When we conceded I needed to bring another striker on. I kept Oscar because he creates.

“I kept Fabregas because he is the one that copes better with the pressure. Even if not playing well his emotional stability is high.”