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And he doesn't need to look very far from home for the perfect example of the strength and courage it takes to win a real battle for survival.

Mourinho's father, Jose Snr, underwent surgery on a brain haemorrhage in April with his son there at his bedside.

Since then, the 77-year-old has suffered two strokes. Thankfully, he is now on the mend and recovering at home in Lisbon.

But his story, while a reminder that there are more important things in life than football, is one that Mourinho can take strength from.

Opening up for the first time about what his family have been through, the Chelsea boss said: "My father is winning his fight, and he's winning in a very secure way.

"He went to levels where nobody would expect. I think he's a bit of a fighter. He went to levels where it was very doubtful and very difficult.

"But after a difficult period the recovery is good news. The evolution is amazing. Amazing. If there is any consequence of that, it's just positive. The family is happy with a fantastic recovery.

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"I know what life is. And I know that, in the end, what matters is the family. And my family is top."

Mourinho's concern for his father is obvious, and touching. But he insists he has used it in a positive way during his own recent troubles, which pale by comparison.

He said: "The strength of a family is to allow you to focus on your job. Obviously your heart feels. But we did a normal life. We are a strong family."

Mourinho had been making regular trips back to Lisbon to be with his father and his situation is one the club have huge sympathy for.

It also helps to put everything that has gone wrong at Chelsea this season into some much-needed perspective.

But nobody should be in any doubt that, just like his dad, Mourinho has it what it takes to win his battle.

"I'm strong" he told us yesterday, with a smile.

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He has needed to be this season as Chelsea have struggled, and his side face Liverpool today searching for only their second win in eight games.

Defeat could spell the end for him at Stamford Bridge. But when asked whether he understood it to be a must-win game, Mourinho replied: "In my career, every game is a must win."

Mourinho is still sweating on the fitness of Diego Costa, who suffered a rib injury in the Capital One Cup defeat at Stoke.

But the signs are the Spain striker will play. John Terry played through the pain of two cracked ribs back in 2012, and Chelsea insist Costa only has bruising to worry about.

Whatever happens, Mourinho will be there in the dug-out, doing his best to urge his team on, despite the misconduct charge hanging over him.

He faces disciplinary action after confronting referee Jon Moss at half time in last week's 2-1 defeat at West Ham, but the case will not be heard until next week.

If it all goes according to plan, more than one person in the Mourinho household can be forgiven a smile.