FOR A MANAGER WHO THRIVES ON meticulous planning, there was far too much chaos yesterday. José Mourinho could stomach defeat in the FA Cup fifth round — his selection of a weakened team said as much — but there was mayhem in the driving snow at St James’ Park that he must hope did not pursue him on last night’s flight to Barcelona.
Chelsea finished with nine men, including Glen Johnson in goal, and it might as well have been eight, given the injury to Damien Duff. Misfortune played its part, particularly in the bad break suffered by Wayne Bridge in the 47th minute, but Mourinho had invited trouble by making three half-time substitutions.
The Portuguese’s boldness is one of the traits that has made