Holland explains Mourinho absence from Chelsea news conference

Steve Holland has played down the significance of Jose Mourinho’s absence from Chelsea’s news conference on Friday.

The assistant manager, who also filled in for the Portuguese coach after last weekend’s 1-0 win at Swansea City, insisted that he was simply fulfilling his duty to Mourinho, who asked him to attend in his place.

It is the third time in a row that Mourinho has dodged his media duties and there has been speculation that the Blues boss is maintaining his silence because he is upset about his recent FA charge for entering the field of play.

Jose over the season is very good and always answers the questions people want him to

Steve Holland

But speaking at the news conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland, Holland said: “Jose asked me if I would do it today and I am more than happy to do that.

“Jose over the season is very good and always answers the questions people want him to answer, and I am quite sure that opportunity will occur very soon.”

Mourinho was fined £8,000 and warned about his future conduct after being sent off in last month’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.