Jose Mourinho ready to lift self-imposed gagging order

Portuguese poised to end his silence following last week's misconduct charge

Jose Mourinho will break his silence on Friday as he resumes his Chelsea media responsibilities ahead of the Premier League trip to Swansea City.
Chelsea manager Mourinho gagged himself after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association last week, skipping his normal media commitments before and after the Newcastle United game.

Having informed the FA that he will contest his latest charge that is likely to be heard next week, Mourinho now feels it is appropriate to speak publicly again – although it remains to be seen whether he answers questions about the case or refereeing decisions.
Mourinho could still be asked to explain his media blackout to the Premier League, whose rules state that managers must attend pre and post-game press conferences.

Despite his decision to speak ahead of the Swansea game, a letter is still expected to be sent from the Premier League to Mourinho over his Newcastle no-shows.

The Portuguese felt that he risked landing himself in even more trouble with the FA by facing questions before formally answering his charge.
Mourinho’s latest charge came after he claimed there was a ‘campaign’ against Chelsea when his team were denied a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Southampton.

Chelsea and Mourinho argue that he was not claiming the campaign was led by referees, but that it is designed to try to influence officials and that cannot be interpreted as an attack on the integrity of referee Anthony Taylor or bringing the game into disrepute.


By Matt Laws, Telegraph