Terry: My Chelsea success is because of Mourinho

Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2013 by Goal.com

The veteran defender, whose side take on Schalke in the Champions League on Tuesday, has praised the Portuguese's impact on his career and hailed his return to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea defender John Terry says manager Jose Mourinho has been the making of him, and is thrilled to be working under the Portuguese again after losing his place in the side last season.

The 32-year-old made just 11 Premier League starts last term, mainly featuring on the bench under Rafa Benitez, but has been ever-present for the Blues in the league since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge.

Terry has credited the 'Special One' with helping him establish himself as a top-class centre-back and is delighted he has returned to the club, saying the 50-year-old boss has reinvigorated him following a frustrating 2012-13 campaign.

"My career is where it is because of this man sitting next to me," he told reporters. "I’m very proud to be working with him again and the team - which most importantly is in a good period at the moment.

"He came in and laid the law down, saying, ‘Listen. It’s pretty simple. You play well, you’re in the side. If not, you won’t play.

“That’s how it is for everyone, like it was before when he was here. Did my self-esteem suffer? I think so. With the injuries as well.

"When you are not playing week in, week out - I was out for four or five months, sitting there watching the lads - it is difficult to take.

"When you do get your chance it’s more emphasis on impressing to stay in. When I was playing well last year, scoring, I didn’t maintain my place as well.

"So it was quite frustrating. But the manager’s been great for me. He’s very honest with us, as individuals and collectively."