Mourinho: Chelsea are title contenders

Jose Mourinho has declared that Chelsea are definite contenders for this season’s Premier League title.

The Blues boss continually played down their chances last term, famously describing them as a “little horse” in the title race and insisting they would only become candidates after he had strengthened the squad this summer.

Having done so, Mourinho has acknowledged that Chelsea, who finished third last season, are now aiming for the top spot.

“I’ve discussed this with my players. Yes, I feel we are title contenders,” he said.

“If you are expecting me to say that we are going to win the Premier League then I can’t say that because I have to respect the competition and the opponents.

“Last season we were not feeling like title contenders but in the end we finished very close to the title.

“We were not feeling like favourites for the Champions League but we reached the semi-final. So we did well.

“This season we have bought some key players and now we analyse our season and our squad we are feeling that the new players have brought the squad into another dimension.”

Mourinho was particularly keen to add a physical presence up front and signed Spain international Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid and brought Chelsea hero Didier Drogba back to Stamford Bridge.

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, signed from Barcelona, and left-back Filipe Luis, also from Atletico Madrid, were recruited too.

Mourinho explained: “My squad is very good. We have a number of under-21 players and players who in the next few years will be considered as home grown – that is very important that Chelsea are going in that direction.

“The club also have experience, characters, personalities and people with ambition – and I have cover in many positions.”

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