KURT ZOUMA has revealed Jose Mourinho once told him he was “rubbish” after a disappointing Chelsea defeat.
The Blues defender was given a dressing down after being beaten 3-1 under Mourinho.
Kurt Zouma determined prove himself on the pitch after ticking-off from MourinhoCredit: Reuters
According to reports he says the frank exchange in his old coach’s office made him determined to prove himself.
Speaking to RMC Sport Zouma said: “I cannot remember which match we were playing, we were losing 3-1, away from home.
“The following day, he catches up with me, he takes me to his office, and he asks me if I am okay.
“I said yes, he asked me if I was sure. I said yes again, he replied: “Because you were rubbish this weekend.”
“It shocked me but it made me want to immediately respond (on the pitch).”
Sharp-tongued Mourinho is the subject of a documentary by French TV channel RMC Sport.
It features interviews with Zouma, Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and other Premier League stars.
“It shocked me, but it made me want to immediately respond (on the pitch).”
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma speaking to RMC Sport
Mourinho has come in for criticism from Martial and some of his other former players in recent months.
The French international told RMC Sport how he disliked Mourinho criticising his performances in the press.
But Zouma defended the managerial style of his old coach.
The French international added: “I was able to have my chances, I played my matches.
“I don’t know what other people think, we all have different opinions, but from my side, I don’t really agree (with the notion that Mourinho does not give young players a chance).”
Mourinho’s Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge next Saturday in vital game in the race for a top-four spot
He replaced Mauricio Pochettino in November after Spurs’s bid for Champion’s League qualification appeared to be failing.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
