Chelsea assistant coach Steve Holland extends support to Mourinho

Chelsea and England U21 assistant manager Steve Holland has defended his boss Jose Mourinho when the latter threw a tantrum after he observed that Cardiff City were wasting time during Chelsea’s 4-1 victory, Yahoo! Sport reports.

Mourinho was banished from the touchline by the referee after an argument about the time wastage. Chelsea fans we’re taken aback when Mourinho sat with them after he was sent off, one fan even tweeted a photo of him with the ‘Special One’.

“His frustration was clear and, in my opinion, totally justified,” Holland said.

“Why would it take an hour before finally an issue was addressed? He showed his frustration and then was sent to the stands.”

The Portuguese tactician and his assistant complained to fourth official Trevor Kettle about the wastage of time on “countless occasions” going unnoticed.

Cardiff City midfielder Jordan Mutch capitalized on a mistake made by Chelsea defender David Luiz to score his teams only goal of the match.

Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o scored a controversial equalizer for his team, when he kicked the ball when Cardiff keeper David Marshall was still bouncing it. FIFA rules state that a goal scored by a player when the keeper is in possession of the ball will not be considered.

Chelsea took control of the match with a brace from Eden Hazard and a goal from Brazilian Oscar.

The Blues remain unbeaten in 64 matches at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho and have gone 12 matches without losing this season.

When asked about the disputed goal, Holland said: “From my point of view, it looked to me like the goalkeeper was bouncing the ball.

“The referee had a very clear view of it and was happy with it and we move on.

“Over the course of the season, those things go one way or another for you.”

The 43-year-old was thrilled with the way the team responded after the defensive gaffe which saw them concede a goal.

“It wasn’t a good start for us,” the assistant boss said. “The players responded very well from that.”

Holland will expect more from Eto’o, who finally found the back of the net after six games, in the Champions League game against Schalke 04 on Tuesday.

Holland said: “All strikers like to be scoring goals. It’s what helps to make them tick and to get off the mark will I’m sure be something he’s very, very happy about. Hopefully we get the benefit of it immediately.”