Mourinho lays down challenge to Fergie and Co
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists their Premiership rivals must improve if they hope to even challenge for the title.
The Blues coasted to their first league championship triumph in 50 years last season and also won the Carling Cup as Mourinho made the most of Roman Abramovich’s financial backing.
And the Portuguese coach, who won the Champions League with Porto, said the emphasis is on Arsenal and Manchester United now to match the champions.
“This season other teams know how strong we are and they have to improve. If they are the same then they have no chance. We have to show the rest of the Premiership that they cannot win at Stamford Bridge. Every fortnight must be three points, three points, three points.
“At the start of the season, I wanted to win everything. I’m frustrated because we did not win everything last season,” Mourinho is quoted in The Sun.
“I don’t want people here to remember me as the manager who won the Premiership after 50 years and then had five more seasons of resting on that.
“We know it will be harder for us this season but I always think the most difficult thing is to win the first trophy then defend it.”
Mourinho also admitted his surprise about fans’ loyalty in Britain, highlighting the case of Alex Ferguson’s United, who were given a standing ovation at Old Trafford at the end of the season despite failing to win a trophy.
“I saw the Manchester United players and manager after their last home game go for a lap of honour after losing to us.
“If they had done that in Portugal they would have had bottles thrown at them,” said Mourinho.
