Jose Mourinho: Mohamed Salah will have a breakthrough season next year

Mohamed Salah

Jose Mourinho has told Chelsea fans not to pass judgement on Mohamed Salah until next season, as the Egyptian will require time to settle.

Salah joined Chelsea from Swiss club Basel in January after impressing in the Champions League against Chelsea and has yet to start for the Blues as Mourinho eases him into life in the Premier League.

The Special One is adamant that his latest acquisition will require time to adapt to the English game and has warned that it might take six months for people to see the best of him.

Mourinho told reporters, “He was not in the game (against Manchester City). He has that pace, but he was not in the game.

“It’s important for him to come step by step and try to improve and adapt. This is a different world, a different quality of football to the one he comes from.

“You know, playing at Stamford Bridge is not the same as playing at Basel.

“With Basel, you play to enjoy your time and you have nothing to lose. While in the blue shirt, you have 40,000 people that you are required to please. Everyone wants you to be decisive, all the time.

“So I think Mohamed needs six months to adapt to our game and the demands of the Premier League.

“I am calm and telling him he has time because we have confidence in him. I think next season is Mohamed Salah’s breakthrough season.”