Mourinho insists he still has faith in Matic

Nemanja Matic of Chelsea
Jose Mourinho has insisted he still has faith in Nemanja Matic despite the Chelsea midfielder’s poor form.

Matic was outstanding as his side won the title last season, but he has struggled so far this term.

His miserable start to the campaign reached a new low when he was taken off during the second half of the recent defeat against Southampton 27 minutes after being brought on as a substitute.

Mourinho suggested after that match that youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek will start this weekend’s home game against Aston Villa.

However, the Blues boss says he still regards Matic as a key man.

“He’s fine. He’s a very good player – a top player,” Mourinho said.

“This period of a few bad games will not make me lose trust and belief in such a good player.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho has said he has “four solutions” for replacing the injured Branislav Ivanovic against Villa, including teenager Ola Aina.

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