Morata: Mou’s ‘carrot and stick’ technique saved my career

Joe Williams

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has revealed that a conversation with Jose Mourinho following a poor training session at Real Madrid put his career on the right path.

The 25-year-old made the move from the Spanish giants to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window for £60million and started the season in fine form before tailing off recently.

Morata made his full debut for Real Madrid in 2010 as he came up through the youth team into the senior side while Mourinho was boss in the Spanish capital.

And the Chelsea striker is grateful for how Mourinho treated him and his team-mates during his early years at the Bernabeu.

“Mourinho treated us very well and cared for us, using a carrot and stick,” Morata said.

“He gave me my first big contract at Madrid.

“He called me after a bad training session and said to me that if you start well (in your career) then you will never have to work again in your life… but right now you have to decide where you want to go, so work well.”

 

Planet Sport exclusiveUmpire Fergus Murphy on life alongside Federer, Nadal and co. (Tennis365)