Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Jose Mourinho certainly retains the support of the Chelsea fans.
The Blues were far from their best during the Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev but eventually won 2-1 thanks to a truly brilliant Willian free-kick.
"What they did for me it's not normal," an emotional Mourinho told BT Sport after the game.
Chelsea had been on top in the first half before Willian, who was easily the home side's best player, burst beyond his defender and whipped in a cross - Aleksandar Dragovic turning into his own net.
The Chelsea fans immediately stood to give Mourinho a standing ovation, to which he acknowledged them with a wave.
But as the game wore on Chelsea were unable to carve out any chances and eventually became visibly nervous, desperate to hold onto their 1-0 lead.
Kiev continued to attack and were eventually rewarded, Dragovic making up for his earlier error by smashing into an empty net after Asmir Begovic came for a corner but missed.
Chelsea looked to be heading for a draw but Mourinho immediately brought on Eden Hazard and Pedro.
The Blues went on the attack and Willian rescued the win for Chelsea with a great free-kick.
Again the Chelsea fans loudly sung the name of the Portuguese, with the manager touching his heart in gratitude for the gesture.
"I don't know whether they don't read newspapers, don't listen to tv pundits or commentators, or if they have big hearts," Mourinho said.
"Or if they recognise I am a good professional and have brought great moments to the club.
Show all 12 1 /12Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Asmir Begovic: 6 out of 10 Largely untroubled throughout the evening, but came out and flapped unnecessarily at the Dynamo Kyiv corner that led to Dragovic’s equaliser. Had looked good prior to the goal and made a smart stop from Junior Moraes.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Cesar Azpilicueta: 6 out of 10 Slightly disappointing performance from the Spaniard as he didn’t bomb on as much as he usually does. Seemed content to just sit back in the second half with Chelsea a goal ahead and his side were almost made to pay the ultimate price.
AFP
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Kurt Zouma: 7 out of 10 Showed great pace to recover and made a stunning tackle on Artem Kravets when he was the last man to prevent a glorious chance, but he’ll feel he should have done better when poking Willian’s excellent free-kick wide from six yards.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings John Terry: 6 out of 10 Largely untroubled in the game as Chelsea enjoyed the majority of possession, but he still doesn’t look as much of a presence in the back four as he did last season.
PA Wire
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Baba Rahman: 7 out of 10 Looked to get forward as often as possible, though his final ball was often lacking the final third. Showed good defensive awareness to deal with the big threat of Yarmolenko from start to finish.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Ramires: 6 out of 10 Was a little bit careless in possession and at times overran the ball as he tried to provide a creative spark. As always, he was a willing runner and made a number of interceptions.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Nemanja Matic: 6 out of 10 Still looks a little bit laboured in the centre of midfield and nowhere near the outstanding level of performance that he displayed last year. His lack of awareness was almost costly as a poor pass allowed Junior Moraes to test Begovic in the second half.
-
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Willian: 9 out of 10 Outstanding. Willian was the stand-out player for Mourinho’s side even before he scored the wonderful free-kick that ensured victory for his team. Also created the first goal with a fantastic whipped delivery that led to Dragovic heading into his own net.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Cesc Fabregas: 7 out of 10 Looked more comfortable in the advanced role that was handed to him and was never afraid to get on the ball and look for intricate passes to open up the Kyiv back four. Improved as the game wore on.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Oscar: 7 out of 10 Was unfortunate to strike straight at the Dynamo ‘keeper from a first half volley and was again denied after the break by a superb save after a sweet strike with his left. Showed some neat touches.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings Diego Costa: 5 out of 10 Doesn’t look nearly as sharp as he did last year and fell to the ground far too easily when he could have pulled the trigger just before half-time. Also ballooned over the bar from 12 yards when he should’ve tested Shovkovskiy on a disappointing night for the striker.
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings BEST OFF THE BENCH: Eden Hazard: 6 out of 10 Didn’t have a huge amount of time to make an impact as Mourinho left the Belgian on the bench until the 79th minute, but was a willing runner and gave Chelsea an important late lift.
Reuters
"But it's not normal, such a support. Not just after a bad run but mentally... what people read, listen, see on tv
"I don't know how to thank them.
"The only thing I can say, until my last day here - whether that is 40 years, 10 years, five years - until my last day I will give them everything."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies