Chelsea Are Mentally Exhausted …Fabio Capello

Fabio Capello has launched a stunning attack on Jose Mourinho, claiming Chelsea players are mentally drained after working with the Special One.

The Barclays Premier League champions have had a dreadful start to the new season; and players, privately, have already given up hope of retaining their title.

Mourinho was handed a public vote of confidence by the Blues board yesterday – an unusual step under the stewardship of owner Roman Abramovich.

And former England manager Capello isn’t surprised by Chelsea’s troubles, claiming the Portuguese has mentally exhausted his squad.

‘Mourinho is a strategist. He, in this difficult time, asked the club to side with him or against him,’ said the Italian.

‘And the club has made a statement defending across the board.

‘Mourinho is a great coach, but after a year-and-a-half, the players are burned. His men are mentally no longer able to give what he wants.

‘The cycles of Mourinho last more or less this time.’