Mourinho Mind Games Are a Tactic to Invoke Siege Mentality Among Chelsea Players

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, told Press Association Sport: "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."

The timing was curious given Chelsea have now dropped points in three of their last four Premier League away games, including a first loss of the season at Newcastle.

At the time of Mourinho speaking Manchester City looked like closing the gap at the top of the standings to one point, until Burnley struck a late leveller against them.

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.

"Mourinho can highlight (the Fabregas incident) as it did look like a penalty. He had a pretty strong case for it.

"It's quite a tough thing for a referee to respond to.

"They try to be unconsciously fairer to Chelsea and if they say 'okay, I'm just going to ignore him' they may be next (to be criticized)."

Mourinho's a "master" at the mental aspect of elite sport, according to Dave Readle, a performance psychologist who has worked with British Cycling and numerous other athletes in Olympic sports.

"At this level the mental aspect of sport is what he's got above everybody else. He's the master," Readle told Press Association Sport.

"Many people can coach football, but to get the best out of each individual player, that's what sets him apart.

"Everything he says is calculated. Even though they're probably the best team, he likes to create an underdog mentality."

Mourinho also diverts the pressure from his players, taking it on himself.

Readle added: "Over the years Mourinho has developed a shield of resistance. He gives it and he can take it as well."

The latest comments will sow doubt in referees' minds for the rest of the season.

Readle added: "Single-handedly he turned the media and fans' spotlight on the referees. It's very astute, very clever.

"They're all human, they're all going to feel the pressure. Now they've got millions of people watching every decision they're going to make when Chelsea are playing.

"They're going to doubt their own decisions now – 'the spotlight's on me'."