Sidwell lauds Mourinho

Midfielder impressed by Jose

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 8th August 2007

sidwell steve

Sidwell: A Mourinho fan

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Chelsea new boy Steve Sidwell believes he can become a better player under Jose Mourinho.

Sidwell joined The Blues earlier in the summer on a free transfer after leaving Reading.

The former Arsenal trainee has caught the eye in pre-season and he is raring to go ahead of this weekend's Premier League opener with Birmingham.

Sidwell has been impressed by Blues boss Jose Mourinho and speaking at at the Premier League's 'Creating Chances' launch, the midfielder believes he can learn a lot from the Portuguese tactician.

"Jose has been great with me and you can see why he is so highly-thought of as a manager," Sidwell told skysports.com .

"His man-management is second to none and he is very active on the training pitch with his ideas and all.

"He is so driven and his desire to win rubs off on people.

"I believe I can learn from Jose and he can help me become a better player."

Sidwell is looking forward to the new season and he feels he has settled into life well in West London.

Settled

"Things have gone really well for me so far," added Sidwell.

"We have had a really good pre-season and we are all ready for Sunday and the game with Birmingham.

"I have settled in quite well and fortunately I knew some of the lads here already and they have all made me feel very welcome."

Battle
Sidwell faces a battle to get a place in Mourinho's starting XI, but the 24-year-old is ready for the fight to win a spot in Chelsea's star-studded midfield.

"I am confident that I can be a regular in the Chelsea side," insisted Sidwell. "That is why I have to come to Chelsea to play with great players and I am confident in my ability.

"I have done well in pre-season and I want to do my best for Chelsea and help them be successful."