Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has claimed that the team and coaching staff are preparing to be without manager Jose Mourinho for Saturday's match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
The Portuguese coach is not permitted to be at the ground as he serves a one-match stadium ban implemented by the Football Association.
"I've been here almost two years now and we have not played without the coach yet, so it is going to be strange, but this is football and we will be ready," The Express quotes Matic as saying.
"Of course it is easier when the coach is on the bench, especially at half-time when he can say something. Sometimes when the game is stopped and there is a foul, he signals with the hands and you know what you have to do, but if you are playing on his side of the pitch you can hear him!
"We also have other great coaches here, and they will be prepared for everything. We have to be ready."
Chelsea are 15th in the Premier League table following six defeats, two draws and just three wins.
Danielle Joynson
