Mourinho backs Chelsea's 'old guard' to bring PL success

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has said that he believes his team's 'old guard' meaning the senior batch holds the key to Premier League success.

While Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar and Nemanja Matic have become central players in the past few months, Mourinho feels the experience of his senior professionals is essential for keeping the right focus.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea has to meet Liverpool in a potential title decider in the middle of their Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid and although freshness and vitality are vital at this stage of the campaign, Mourinho knows that calm heads are equally required amid the maelstrom of emotions.

Stating that young, talented players are exciting for the club, the Portuguese said that they occupy defenders, open up space and offer something extra in games, although it is necessary to have players with experience to understand every situation in the game as they have been in a similar position before.

Mourinho also said that it is important to find the combination of youth and experience to bring the right mental balance to the pitch in every game and situation.