Mourinho Questions Chelsea's Strength

JOSE Mourinho has questioned Chelsea’s record under Carlo Ancelotti by claiming a “strong team” would not lose four Premier League games, as they have already done during the Italian’s first season at Stamford Bridge, reports Jamie Jackson in Milan.

The Internazionale head coach was speaking before welcoming his former club to San Siro on Wednesday for their Champions League last-16 meeting.

The game will be the first occasion Mourinho has faced Chelsea in a competitive match since his successful three years in west London ended in 2007.

Asked if he was surprised how many defeats Chelsea have already suffered this season Mourinho said: “The Premier League is never easy, every game normally is difficult, you can lose every game. Of course when a team is strong, strong, strong, it doesn’t lose so many matches, so many points. But people that know the Premiership know that every game is difficult.” Mourinho claimed every major domestic honour at least once during his time at Chelsea. It is a record that includes consecutive championships and makes the Portuguese Chelsea’s most successful manager.

At the weekend Mourinho also celebrated eight years without defeat at home in league and domestic cup competitions following Inter’s goalless draw against Sampdoria. The record was continued despite both Inter central defenders being sent off in the first half at San Siro.

Ancelotti’s Chelsea, meanwhile, have struggled away from home this season.

Although leading the table by four points, all four league defeats – against Wigan, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton – have come on the road.

Ahead of Chelsea’s visit Mourinho said Inter’s spirit had been strengthened by their display against Sampdoria. After the red cards for Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba his team pressed forward and came closest to winning through a late Samuel Eto’o chance.

“I feel proud because I have eight years without a defeat at home for domestic competitions, championship and cups,” said Mourinho.

“And to celebrate eight years in these circumstances – it’s good for morale . . . As I was saying when we played against Milan and finished the game with nine, to lose we need to play with six. I said this in that game and I say exactly the same now – to lose we need to play with six.

Guardian Service