Pre Match Press Conference: Chelsea vs United

United maybe 7th and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal but Jose insists that United are still in the title race. Talking ahead of the mouth watering clash at Stamford Bridge Jose is not ready to count United out of the title race yet. He said:

“I start by saying we don’t play against a team that are 11 points behind the leader, we play against the champions, we play against Manchester United.”

“That’s the way I start my notes in the programme and that’s exactly the way I feel. I’ve been in the game a long time, I’ve played dozens and dozens of derbies and classic matches, games between the big teams and that’s what experience says. On many occasions, the team that looks to be in the most difficult situation appears stronger in the match, that’s why I consider this game especially dangerous.”

If Jose manages to beat United it will be his 100th BPL victory with Chelsea, but he was not getting drawn into whether it comes against United or not.

“It’s the next match and if I can do it in the next match it’s better than doing it in three, four or five matches away. My 100^th victory in the Premier League with Chelsea is going to happen; is it against United, West Ham or later? I don’t know, what I know is that the number will arrive.”

“We are going to try to do it against Man United because now we play two matches at home, after playing two matches away, and we have to try to go for the six points.”

Jose on Matic signing: 

Chelsea completed the signing of the Serbian in midweek and he trained with Chelsea as well. Jose believes the timing of the signing is perfect.

“I’m happy Matic came now because it gives him five or six months, so the beginning of next season is not the beginning for him,’ said the Chelsea manager. He’ll be with the team in this moment of evolution, he’ll be here in this moment of building a team we want for many, many years.”

“I’m happy he came in this window, not because we desperately need him, because our squad has good balance, but in terms of our future and the way we analyse the squad. His profile, as a player is the perfect one.”

Jose on De Bruyne and Bertrand:

Jose has confirmed that KDB is going to leave Chelsea soon. The deal is not done yet but it’s close. Meanwhile Ryan Bertrand has also been sent on a season long loan to Aston Villa with the intention of getting him more game time not available to him at Chelsea at the moment.

Jose on John Terry:

Jose was asked to put in words the form of John Terry this season and this is what the Portuguese tactician had to say:

“He’s doing more than enough to start the game against Man United on Sunday, the biggest game you can imagine. He’s going to start and he’s going to be the captain, so that says everything about the way he’s playing, the way he’s fighting to keep his position and the way he’s fighting to deserve a new contract. Everything comes naturally, without headlines and without any kind of pressure. Naturally it will happen.”

News on the opposite camp and Jose’s reaction:

Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are ruled out by Manager David Moyes ahead of the clash. But Jose had some words of encouragement for the United manager.

“The best thing is to play against the best players at the maximum of their potential. We did that when we went to Old Trafford, they played Rooney and Van Persie together and that was the best thing for us and the game. For us, the focus, concentration and motivation is bigger when they are there so I hope they are.”

Mourinho on Moyes:

“I don’t think there is a reason to have sympathy [for Moyes], he has a fantastic job and he’s very stable. The club gave him incredible trust when they chose him to be the next Man United manager after Sir Alex.”

“It’s a club with a fantastic culture, they believe in stability and the power of the manager. They believe in offering support to the manager, so I don’t think there’s a reason for David to be in trouble. I think he will have at least three, four or five years to build a team and reach success.”

Lampard Fit, Ivanovic Not?

Jose had injury updates on the squad as well, Lampard trained during the week but Ivanovic didn’t have even a single training session according to Jose.

“Branislav Ivanovic hasn’t had one single training session. Today he will, I don’t believe he can play, but Lampard I think he can.”

Matic won’t start:

Mourinho has confirmed that Matic won’t be starting against United.

“Matic will not start the game, I have to show respect to my other players who are doing well. I don’t think it’s the right message for them that a new player comes immediately and plays, so I’m not playing him from the beginning.”