Jose Mourinho's public criticism of Ruben Loftus-Cheek example of good management

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was warned by Jose Mourinho for his lax attitude against Sydney FC

Jose Mourinho publicly slammed youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek after he appeared for only 27 minutes against Sydney FC yesterday. I was wondering if you thought it was excellent man management or if you disagree?

I personally think it's excellent from the boss! We live in a world, where there is ridiculous financial reward for kicking a ball around a pitch. These people become famous in an instant and pressures of life outside the club could have a detrimental effect.

I look at what Jose Mourinho said of Loftus-Cheek and it's a harsh reminder of what is expected at our club if you want to be considered part of the first team. For months, Jose had spoken in glowing terms about the youngster and raved about his potential, but that was all forgotten in his post-match press conference last night.

Jose Mourinho said, “Ruben was saying he had a pain in his back but what I was feeling was that he only had this pain when Sydney had the ball.”

“When Chelsea had the ball he was playing very well but when Sydney had the ball I think he was more impressed by watching Mikel Obi and Matic work, instead of him working himself. So, with Ruben, it’s one step back in terms of my relationship with him. If he doesn’t know what it means to play for me and Chelsea, it’s one step back.”

“Ruben has to learn that, at 19, you have to run three times as much as the other guys and you have to play to your limits. You don’t have to play like a superstar with the ball at your feet because this is not the Under-18s.”

“That competition is too easy for him. He’s too good for it, but I don’t accept that a player … when we don’t have the ball, doesn’t press, doesn’t have intensity and is waiting for other people to recover the ball. I don’t accept that of superstars, so why should I accept it in a 19-year-old kid?”

“He has to learn what it takes to play for us.”

Spot on in my opinion from the manager and it will be interesting to see how Loftus-Cheek reacts to what Mourinho has said.

Once again, it's another demonstration from Mourinho of what he demands from his players all over the pitch and not just from a youngster coming into the side. If he wants to be part of Mourinho's plans and to really make a name for himself next season, he needs to listen, learn and demonstrate that he really wants it. I just hope that he takes it on board and works hard at his game.

Of course, we have to consider the other side of the argument here. Some people will feel that Jose was too harsh and maybe should have said something like that behind closed doors.

Let's move back a season and he did the same with Eden Hazard after defeat at home to Atletico Madrid that knocked us out of the Champions League. Now look at the Belgian, he has taken what the boss said on board and worked hard at the defensive side of his game.

As with life in general you have to take the rough with the smooth and this is a real test of character for Lotfus-Cheek. In my opinion, it's excellent man management. What do you think?