Jose Mourinho has revealed that John Terry's half-time substitution in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City this evening was tactical rather than forced.
Sergio Aguero fired the Citizens ahead on 32 minutes in what proved a one-sided first half at the Etihad, before the Portuguese replaced Terry with Kurt Zouma at the break.
It was the first time that the 34-year-old had been subbed at half time in either of Mourinho's spells as manager, but he believes that he was proven right.
"It was a decision. Zouma is the fastest defender we have in the squad. I know Man City are going to play counter-attack and Zouma is a different player to John and was proven right because Zouma was in complete control," he told Sky Sports News.
"John is a player I have total trust for, with me he was never substituted, With other managers he was not selected and people thought his Chelsea career was over.
"If a manager has the right, I do, because I gave the chance to make him what he is, a fantastic player and a fantastic captain. I was proven right."
Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho added gloss to the scoreline in the final quarter as the Blues slipped five points behind co-leaders City after two games played.
Shane Callaghan
