12 October 2007, by Sean Gillen

Paulo Ferreira admits Mourinho departure was tough to take

But defender regains confidence under new coach Grant

Chelsea defender Paulo Ferreira admits that Jose Mourinho’s departure from the club was a shock, but says that the backing he has received from new manager Avraham Grant has helped his confidence.

Ferreira worked under Mourinho for over five years, having followed his mentor from Porto to Stamford Bridge in 2004. However, the Portuguese boss had relied less on the full-back towards the end of his reign with the Blues, with Ferreira often left out of match squads last season.

New boss Grant, hired immediately after Mourinho left, has given early signs that Ferreira could be set for more appearances this season after using the 28-year-old in both of the team’s recent crunch matches with Manchester United and Valencia.

“Yes it’s true, it’s good for me as well because I wasn’t playing too much and now it’s given me confidence. I need to play and I’m happy for that. I hope to keep playing like this,” Ferreira told Chelseafc.com.

“He (Grant) has spoken to the defenders, we just have to do our jobs, try to not concede goals, it’s more important. I was an attacking defender but that was in Portugal, where the Championship is not so strong.

“I learned that you cannot just go forward; you have to first of all think as a defender. Defend first and then attack when you have to. When I have to go I go, and when you have to stay you stay. You have to feel the game.

“Mourinho’s departure? Nobody expected it. It was difficult for us, for me especially. He brought me to Porto and I came with him from there, so it’s a lot of years with the same manager. It was difficult, but what can I say? Life goes on and you have to keep working and do your best.”