Both Mourinho and Jol have come under fire this season.
Tomorrow’s West London derby takes on extra significance as both managers have come in for some unexpected criticism this week.
Two defeats for Chelsea in the last six days have turned the pressure up on Jose Mourinho sooner than most had predicted.
Indeed, the Blues have had their worst start to a Premier League campaign since Roman Abramovich took control, and the midweek defeat by Basel in the Champions League was a major blow to the Chelsea boss.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho blamed a change in tactics for the poor run.
“I don’t like the way Chelsea were playing in the last couple of years. The club doesn’t like it and we want to change,” Mourinho said.
“When you want to build something different and the players are adapted and comfortable, it’s more difficult.”
No one is questioning the Special One’s position just yet but defeat tomorrow would leave many fans wondering whether Rafa Benitez was such a bad choice after all.
Mourinho’s opposite number at Fulham has also had some criticism this week with a small section of the Fulham support calling for Martin Jol’s head.
Jol’s team have not won since the opening day of the season and Fulham have managed only one win in the previous 34 meetings with Chelsea.
New owner Shahid Khan has publicly declared his admiration for the Dutchman but he is known to have a ruthless streak and Jol will have to start getting results fast to keep his new boss happy.
The Pakistan-born businessman made his first high-profile change this week by returning Craven Cottage’s much maligned Michael Jackson statue to Mohamed Al Fayed.
Jol will hope the owner shows a bit more patience with him.
Photo courtesy of thesportreview, with thanks.
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