You can understand fans, or even managers, trying to get under the skin of the opposition's support by questioning their passion. However, for a club's own manager to question the home fans' commitment is surprising to say the least.
And yet that is exactly what has happened in the aftermath of Chelsea's 2-1 home win over QPR. With Jose Mourinho's charges seemingly on their way to walking towards the league title, you'd imagine it would be the opposition trying to upset the apple cart.
However, instead it's Mourinho himself who has decided to shake things up a bit. After it took a late Eden Hazard penalty to squeeze past QPR, the Chelsea manager chose to direct his ire at the Stamford Bridge support.
Everyone knows how much I feel connected to this club and the fans. At this moment it’s difficult for us to play at home though, because playing here is like playing in an empty stadium.
The team then starts playing like it’s a quiet, soft game at home. It’s difficult to get that strong start where the players, team and fans at Stamford Bridge [are all together].
I was today looking around and it was empty, but not in terms of people because it was obviously full. That’s what frustrating.
