Why Capital One Success was crucial for Mourinho

Chelsea last Sunday defeated Totenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Capital One Cup final match played at the Wembley Stadium in a game where Chelsea weren't spectacular but still bore all the hallmarks of a typical  Mourinho side who have been well prepared for a big game.

They were very professional, organised defensively and ruthless when opportunities presented themselves in the game. In a game where Spurs early on had the upper hand after early attempts by Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane had hit the crossbar and forced Petr Cech to make a save respectively, Chelsea captain,John Terry scored with Chelsea's first shot on target. A shot with a deflection off Harry Kane which led to the opening goal. This goal would have led any Spurs fan fearing the worst of what could be the outcome of the match with Chelsea now in the driving seat. 

And their fears were confirmed when Diego Costa put the game beyond any doubt with his effort ending up at the back of the net shortly after the resumption of proceedings with another shot taking a wicked deflection off Kyle Walker. Spurs tried to get back into the game but they met stiff resistance from a Chelsea rear guard marshalled by John Terry. 

As the game started drawing to a close, Jose Mourinho was animated on the touch line, celebrating with his assistant and punching the air for another masterstroke of a performance by his squad. It is fair to say that while Chelsea weren't at their best, Mourinho got his tactics spot on. Bringing in Kurt Zouma to fill in for the suspended Nemanja Matic was another shrewd decision from the master tactician.

After the game ended, Mourinho called his wife to announce the result. A result which ended a 3 year trophy drought for the Special One. The Special One's last trophy success was Real Madrid's La Liga success in 2012. For a winner like Mourinho, it must look like ages. Managers like players, are human and are susceptible to self doubt during dry spells. Another trophy less season which has been unlikely for a long time this season would have heaped a lot of pressure on Mourinho if the standards that were used against his predecessors were used against him. No wonder this victory meant so much to Mourinho and his players. 

Mourinho after the game said effectively that finals weren't meant for playing pretty, it was all about getting the result. That was the bottom line. Not many would disagree with him. 

And now, with Man City handing Chelsea the initiative after slipping up at Anfield earlier that day, Chelsea have an opportunity to tighten their grip on the league table. Chelsea have momentum with their Capital One Cup success. Chelsea are expected to go on now and win the league. 

And if they do, that would be Mourinho's 25th trophy of his managerial career. His 8th for Chelsea not to include the possibility of a Champions League success as Chelsea look like favourites to reach the quarter finals after their 1-1 draw with Chelsea in Parc de Princes.

If Mourinho had started to have doubts about his ability to win trophies after a 3 year wait, his current predicament would dispel any lingering doubts in a hurry.