Mourinho: Remy 'deserves more than what I give him'

You may have seen Loïc Rémy referred to as a supersub following his Sunday afternoon heroics, but that label, as labels are wont to do, really paints only half a picture, if that.

The winner against Hull City was Rémy's 6th goal of the season, his 3rd as a substitute in his 16th substitute appearance.  A pretty good, if not quite "super" return.  Especially when you compare it with his scoring output as a starter:  3 goals and 2 assists in just 7 starts.  Jose Mourinho's claim of owing more playing time to Remy is perhaps motivated by more than just good will.

"Probably he deserves more than what I give him. Sometimes, not many times, a coach can feel he owes something to a player. With Remy that is the case, I think I owe him something."

"Every time he plays he gives us a lot. I'm so happy for him because he deserves it. He never complains."

-José Mourinho; source: ITV

Of course when you're the backup to Diego Costa, reaching the 1-in-2 goal return benchmark just doesn't look as shiny is it would in most cases.  But having a backup who does produce to that gold standard is invaluable.

"It is true it is frustrating sitting on the bench but the manager knows all the team and he has very good quality in the squad. That is why when I came on I just played with my quality. Scoring goals is my job as a striker but I know there are only 11 players on the pitch and as soon the manager needs me I am here."

"The goal was a good moment for me but it was the work of all the team and we are working properly at training every day to achieve success. For us it is really important to win this kind of game. We are still of top of the league and we keep going in this way and will see what happens the season."

-Loïc Rémy; source: Chelsea FC

Rémy, much like other veterans like Petr Čech and Filipe Luís, for example, has indeed been a model professional all season.  His budding bromance with young Kurt Zouma is also great to see.  But rumors of him moving on have already started -- such as a reunion with ex-Newcastle boss Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace -- so hopefully Mourinho is able to make good on his promise, and deliver on what he owes to Loïc Rémy before the end of this season.

P.S.: Wrapping up the title early, with a few games left in the season, could go a long ways towards making good on this promise, as well as affording Mourinho the opportunity to give minutes to the youngsters from the academy, too.