Mourinho Continues to Downplay Chelsea’s Title Hopes

Jose Mourinho has told his squad that he fully expects them to win the league this season, according to the Daily Mirror.

Chelsea are top of the table with 13 matches to go after a comfortable home win against Newcastle, on the same day that title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City both failed to win.

But Jose Mourinho still does not think Blues can win the title. One cannot help but think that Mourinho is playing mind games with the rest of the Premier League so as to avoid pressure on his team.

Mourinho has played down talk of his side winning the league in the media, but behind closed doors the Portuguese maestro told his players that they will win the league.

After a disappoint draw at home to West Ham, Chelsea have impressed with wins against Manchester City and Newcastle.

The Blues face Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton before the end of March as well as big games in the Champions League and FA Cup but Mourinho remains confident.

A Daily Mirror source said: “Jose told the players before the West Ham game that they would hear him talk down their title chances.

“He told them to pay no attention because his intention was to take the pressure off the team and put others under the microscope.

“He also told the players that he believes they will be champions this season.”

Manchester City's manager, Manuel Pellegrini, mocks José Mourinho's 'little horse' comment, saying Chelsea may be small but they are very rich. 

Mourinho's comments have been widely teased, especially in light of Chelsea's move to the top of the table. 

Pellegrini also comments on the Premier League title race and its top contenders.