Jose's word game

Jose Mourinho has written personal letters to all his players outlining his ambitions and expectations for Chelsea.

Eidur Gudjohnsen confirmed yesterday that his new manager's first act was to send every squad member a note.

Gudjohnsen said: "It was impressive because it makes you feel you are part of the team already."

Mourinho has written such letters to players throughout his career and Standard Sport can provide a revealing insight into his motivational techniques.

In a letter written to Portuguese midfielder Tiago shortly after he signed for Porto in 2002, published in a biography of Mourinho, he stresses that his new player must strive to be a champion every minute of his life.

Ironically, Mourinho is about to write a similar letter to another Tiago, with his Benfica namesake on the verge of a £ 6million move from Porto to Chelsea.

Mourinho wrote: "To be the champions must always be our objective. It's a daily objective, a consistent and permanent motivation, a light that must guide our path starting from now. Each practice, each game, each minute of our professional and social life must be focussed on that objective which, I repeat, is OUR objective."

Mourinho goes on to discuss several themes which have already emerged during his brief reign at Chelsea, stressing the importance of team-work and his desire to have two players for every position.