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Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea squad relaxed ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv tie

Ivanovic, Begovic and Matic look relaxed
Image: Branislav Ivanovic Asmir Begovic and Nemanja Matic go for a stroll in Haifa

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea squad looked very relaxed on Tuesday as they enjoyed a stroll on the morning of their Champions League game against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Cesc Fabregas and Pedro go for a morning stroll on Haifa
Image: Cesc Fabregas and Pedro look relaxed ahead of Chelsea's game on Tuesday evening

Chelsea last played in Israel in 2001 when six members of the squad - Marcel Desailly, William Gallas, Graeme Le Saux, Albert Ferrer, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emmanuel Petit - decided not to travel to the country to play Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Despite the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Mourinho told journalists during Monday's pre-match press conference Chelsea were not unduly worried at the prospect of playing in the Middle East.

Eden Hazard locked in conversation with Kurt Zouma
Image: Eden Hazard locked in conversation with Kurt Zouma on Tuesday morning

And the squad did not look fazed as they walked near to their team hotel in Haifa, with Chelsea manager Mourinho even stopping for photographs with the locals.

FA Inclusion and Advisory Board member Le Saux has recently voiced his criticism of Mourinho's treatment of Doctor Eva Carneiro.

And the Portuguese could not resist referencing the ex-Chelsea full-back when he was asked about the feeling within his squad ahead of Chelsea's game.

"I don't have one single problem inside the squad. I don't have a Graeme Le Saux. I have everybody without fears, just wanting to come," Mourinho said.

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Jose Mourinho believes he has seen confidence return to his players ahead of Chelsea's Champions League match away to Maccabi Tel Aviv.

"I even have a player whose wife, maybe, is having a baby tomorrow or after tomorrow, and he's here to play, because he knows how important it is for us.

"The best way [to make sure we are not concerned about security] is to focus on football and the happiness you have to play football, and to leave security questions to people who know more than we do."

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