Jose Mourinho was back to face the media ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Swansea City on Saturday. Last week, it was assistant manager Steve Holland who was present at the press-conference, following a turbulent week in which Mourinho was in the news for his irate comments on referees.
The Portuguese addressed the topic of transfers in the January window by re-iterating that an ideal month for him would be one without any departures or arrivals. There have been several rumours on players being linked with a move to or away from Stamford Bridge. Mohamed Salah and Andre Schurrle have been talked up as possible departures, while Marco Reus has constantly been in the news as a possible target.
Jose: ‘I’m happy with the squad, we have a good group, not just in terms of football but working together.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2015
Despite stating his preference for the status quo, Mourinho did admit that the window is uncertain and there could be some activity.
Jose: ‘I’ll be happy if nobody leaves and nobody comes but the market is open so you never know.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2015
Chelsea have been top of the table since the first day of the season and have not relinquished their spot even once. The Blues have been dominant right from the off and despite a slight blip in the last month or so, Mourinho said that his side fully deserve their position at the summit.
Jose: ‘We are top of the league since the first minute of the season and we are there because we deserve to be.’ #CFC — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2015
The manager was though, coy when asked if Chelsea were the favourites for the title. After stating time and again last season that he didn’t believe his side could win, he was at least willing to label them ‘candidates’ this time around. After leading the way for so long though, anything other than lifting the Premier League title will be considered a failure for Mourinho’s men.
Jose: ‘We are not favourites for the title, we are candidates. I would say the same if we were two points behind.’ #CFC — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2015
Chelsea’s away form of late has been something of a concern. They have only once on their travels in their last five games, and have seen an eight-point lead over Manchester City slip. Mourinho emphasised the size of the task that faced his side on Saturday, heaping praise on the work Swansea manager Garry Monk has done at the club. Wilfried Bony left the Swans this week to join Manchester City, but the Chelsea boss still expects a tough battle at the Liberty Stadium tomorrow.
Jose: ‘Swansea have a very good team and very good teams don’t depend on one player. Losing Bony doesn’t make them less difficult.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2015
Jose: ‘Garry Monk’s work has been magnificent. He received a good team but to keep that stability and quality has been brilliant.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2015
The Blues have a great opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points. Man City, who have seemed vulnerable of late, have a tricky home against an Arsenal side capable of causing an upset.
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