Wednesday 4 November 2015 23:14, UK
Chelsea's performance in the 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev suggests they have turned a corner, according to Mark Schwarzer.
Willian scored a wonderful late free-kick at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night to ease the pressure on Jose Mourinho after a torrid start to the season.
Chelsea's home defeat against Liverpool on Saturday was remarkably the reigning Premier League champions' sixth league loss in 11, leaving Mourinho under intense pressure to keep his job.
Asked whether this Champions League Group G result was a turning point in their season, Schwarzer, who watched the game for Soccer Special, replied: "I think so - there's a lot of improvements to be made, but it's a little step in the right direction.
"Tonight was all about getting the three points on the board and coming away with more confidence. John Terry was good tonight, while Kurt Zouma made a fantastic defensive tackle in the box. Willian was outstanding and Eden Hazard was brilliant when he came on."
Tonight was all about getting the three points on the board and coming away with more confidence.
Despite their extraordinary downturn in fortunes this season, the Chelsea fans showed support for their under-fire manager by chanting his name at various points throughout the game.
Schwarzer said: "Every opportunity they had, they clapped the manager. They cheered him. The manager responded as did the players. It lifted the team.
"It would have been very emotional for him. He would have been touched by it. He's a very emotional person. Anyone would have been affected by what's happened this season and to have that support from the fans would be very special for him. He'll use that. He'll build on that and gain confidence from that. The team will also flourish from that.
"There's nothing worse than going out on the pitch when the fans are on edge. But there was none of that tonight. The supporters were behind the team and the manager."
