Jose Mourinho insists he is the right man to take Chelsea forward – regardless of the outcome of tonight’s derby at Arsenal.
The Blues have produced some scintillating football but also suffered four away defeats since Mourinho’s return as manager.
Last Wednesday’s Capital One Cup exit against Sunderland followed hugely frustrating league losses at Everton, Newcastle and Stoke.
There has been speculation about him looking to change the team’s attacking style of play and being at odds with club owner Roman Abramovich, who showed him the door in 2007.
But Chelsea, currently fifth, will only trail leaders Liverpool on goal difference if they win at the Emirates Stadium, and Mourinho has long-term objectives in mind as well.
He said: “I know why I came back and what kind of job I was asked to do – to prepare this new Chelsea team for a decade, in the same way the other Chelsea team lasted for around a decade – and we can’t have a better manager than I am.
“I think I’m the right person to do the job, and a bad result on Monday or Wednesday doesn’t change that perspective.”
Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent season so far and were top of the table before results on Saturday saw them drop to third, but they will go two points clear at the top if they beat Chelsea.
And Mourinho believes the Gunners deserve to be recognised as serious title challengers.
“To arrive at Christmas time at the top of the league is a sign they are fighting for the title. They have the squad so they have the conditions to do it,” he said.
“Up until now they are the strongest team. They have already played Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United, so the Chelsea game will be the last match against the other contenders.”
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This post was last modified on 23/12/2013