Chelsea

Mourinho cool despite Man Utd run
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he is more worried about bird flu than the prospect of Manchester United catching the Blues in the Premiership. Chelsea's lead at the top of table had stood at 17 points, but Manchester United's run of eight consecutive wins has narrowed the gap to seven. "For me, pressure is bird flu - I'm serious," said Mourinho. "I'm feeling a lot of pressure with the problem in Scotland. It's not fun and I'm more scared of it than football." Chelsea have not been at their best in the Premiership in recent weeks, losing to local rivals Fulham and dropping points against relegation-threatened Birmingham. But Mourinho said his side's dip in form had not caused him any concern. "Football is nothing compared with life," said Mourinho. "For me bird flu is the drama of the last few days. I'll have to buy a mask. "Pressure depends on the individual. If you ask Claude Makelele if he feels pressure he will say 'no' because he's played for Real Madrid and won championships. "(But) if you ask a young player who has never been involved in this situation and who has never been a champion before, maybe the answer is different." With all teams having six Premiership games left to play, time is running out if United are to complete one of the most incredible comebacks in history and Mourinho said he is still confident of success. "Eight consecutive victories is fantastic. And I would prefer to have a 15-point lead than seven," he said. "But I would always prefer to have more points more than less. To say I'm concerned is not correct. I'm not happy with the points we dropped - normally we have to beat Fulham and Birmingham. "But 'concerned' is the correct word for Manchester United. I think they should be very concerned by the gap. "I think Sir Alex Ferguson has to be an optimistic person, otherwise he wouldn't be in his job for so long. "I haven't been in the job for so long but also have reasons to be optimistic because I can win my fourth consecutive title. "The difference is United people will watch Chelsea against West Ham with a very high heartbeat. "But we can be very calm and cool when we watch United play Arsenal, or even don't watch it at all, because our future depends on our own results."

Chelsea v West Ham
West Ham have no new injury problems, but defender Christian Dailly is still on the road to recovery after a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Roy Carroll is also still out as he continues his recuperation from an operation on his back. Chelsea can select from a fully-fit squad as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership. Full-back Glen Johnson is available after making a surprisingly rapid recovery from a hernia operation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Terry, Carvalho, Huth, Del Horno, Johnson, Makelele, Lampard, Essien, Maniche, Gudjohnsen, J Cole, Duff, Robben, Wright-Phillips, Crespo, Drogba. West Ham (from): Hislop, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Collins, Konchesky, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington, Ashton, Harewood, Walker, Scaloni, Fletcher, Sheringham, Zamora, Katan, Clarke, Ward, Newton. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole: "Seven points is still a big gap over Manchester United and we are confident of securing the title again. "We have six matches left to play and four wins is what we need to achieve doing that. "We just need to get back to winning ways. We have not been as clinical in front of goal and that seems to be costing us at the moment." West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon: "It's going to be a tough game, there's no doubt about that. "Chelsea are flying high at the top of the league, have got world-class players and are unbeaten at home in the Premiership. "It will be good to test myself against the likes of Drogba and Crespo, or whichever superstars will play for them on Sunday."

Chelsea 4-1 West Ham
Chelsea fought back from a goal down and the early dismissal of Maniche to claim a crushing victory over West Ham. James Collins' header gave West Ham an early lead before Maniche saw red for a lunging tackle on Lionel Scaloni. But Didier Drogba latched on to Frank Lampard's pass to equalise and then set up Hernan Crespo for Chelsea's second. John Terry buried the rebound after William Gallas had hit the bar to make it 3-1 before Gallas found the net from close range to round off the scoring. Manchester United's recent run of form has put unexpected pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Premiership, with their lead reduced to seven points before kick-off. However, they showed here they are capable of winning games the hard way - if that is what it takes. The Hammers began well and took the lead when Collins caught the home defence napping, running unchallenged to meet Yossi Benayoun's corner and powering his header home at the near post. That clearly rattled the champions but they almost responded instantly. Maniche's cross bounced dangerously across the face of goal before Danny Gabbidon cleared the danger, with Crespo waiting to pounce. The Hammers were lucky to survive again when Maniche smashed Drogba's low cross against the bar from the edge of the six-yard box and Michael Essien headed the rebound wide. And it did not look like it was going to be Chelsea's day when Jose Mourinho's side were reduced to 10 men on 17 minutes. Maniche went over the top of the ball in his challenge on Scaloni and, to the astonishment of Mourinho, referee Chris Foy's response was to show a straight red card. But Chelsea have not lost a league game at Stamford Bridge since February 2004 and, despite being a man down and a goal behind, they were not about to surrender that record yet. They drew level on 28 minutes when Drogba latched on to Lampard's long ball over the top and, although Collins blocked his first effort, the Ivory Coast international had time to power the rebound past Gabbidon on the line. Drogba was involved again three minutes later as Chelsea took the lead. When Gabbidon failed to clear his lines the ball was fed to Drogba, whose shot deflected off Collins for Crespo to slot home from close range. By now, West Ham were struggling to maintain their shape, let alone make their extra man count, and only a smart save by Shaka Hislop stopped Drogba adding a third before half-time. It was not long before Mourinho's men did extend their lead, however, Terry drilling home on 54 minutes after Gallas had hit the bar. Marlon Harewood should have done better with a header from Paul Konchesky's free-kick at the other end but by now Chelsea were firmly in command. They got the fourth goal their superiority deserved on 69 minutes when substitute Arjen Robben's free-kick fell to Gallas in the area and he turned to slot home. Teddy Sheringham had a shot cleared off the line by Gallas but that was the only time West Ham threatened in the closing stages and Chelsea's victory never looked in doubt.

Mourinho hails Chelsea fightback
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho felt his side showed great character to fight back from a goal down to thump West Ham 4-1 after having Maniche sent off. Mourinho said: "Every single player was amazing. As a team the performance was incredible. It was a great performance under very difficult circumstances. "It is not normal to win 4-1 after you are losing 1-0 with 10 men. We played with 10 but it looks like we had 12. "Everything is in our hands now and we should not be afraid of the future." Mourinho was unhappy with the dismissal of Maniche, who was shown a straight red card after 17 minutes for a mis-timed tackle on Lionel Scaloni, and feels it is not the first time his side have been harshly treated by officials. He added: "In tactical terms it was not a problem because we now have a lot of experience of playing with 10 men. "For a team without one single red card last season it now looks like it is very easy for us to get red cards. "I have not seen it on TV but from the position I was in it looks like it can be solved with a yellow card. With more than one hour to go it was too easy to show a red card. "But the answer was magnificent and I prefer to speak about the performance, the players and the result than to speak about the referee." West Ham boss Alan Pardew admitted his side had been outclassed by the Blues. He said: "We scored the goal and they went down to 10 men and we somewhat switched off at that point. "We looked pretty good until that point but they came alive. The world class individuals that they have really shone and we had a problem dealing with them. "Sometimes when you go down to 10 men you know you have to work that bit harder, which they did, and they still had 10 very expensive and world class players on the pitch. "We just thought we could keep playing as we were and it wasn't good enough. Ten world class players pulled themselves together, worked twice as hard and came away with a great victory for Chelsea. "We dropped off it a little bit. We went away from what we are all about - the exuberance and positiveness we have had all year drifted away. "We gifted them goals and it was a tough afternoon for us and for West Ham fans. "Chelsea are an excellent team. We knew we faced a tough challenge here. "There has been a lot of criticism at their door, some of it unfair, and they answered the critics here - unfortunately we got the brunt of it."

Kenyon denies rift with Mourinho
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has described rumours of a rift with manager Jose Mourinho as "fabrication". In response to reports that the pair had fallen out over transfer targets for next season, Kenyon said: "I am 100% happy with him." And Kenyon, speaking on a trip to China, further denied that Chelsea were pursuing foreign markets because they were losing support at home. "There is absolutely no evidence of that," he added. "We have seen our fan base go up by 300% in the last two years. "We have been looking at research in China, which shows we are as popular as Manchester United, whereas two years ago we were not even on the same radar scope. "I think the importance of having a successful team is critical to all this and we are going in the right direction on that front. "China is one of our key strategic markets. London is one, north America and China are the other two. This is a long-term market, it is not a quick fix." Kenyon is in China as part of a delegation hoping to build relations between Beijing and London ahead of the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. And the chief executive revealed that Chelsea have offered the China national football team the use of their facilities ahead of the 2008 games. Kenyon said: "The fact Chelsea has been appointed an ambassador to London was the perfect opportunity to cement our relationship. "We have offered them the use of the training facilities at Cobham for their Olympic team prior to 2008. "Discussions are continuing over the next few days. In the next 12 months the developments at Cobham will give us one of the best training facilities in Europe."

Chelsea head list of PFA nominees
Premiership leaders Chelsea dominate the nominations for this season's Professional Footballers' Association Footballer of the Year Award. Last year's winner John Terry is joined on the shortlist by Blues and England team-mates Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney have also been nominated. Arsenal's Thierry Henry is the only foreigner in the running for the honour which will be awarded on 23 April. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor is not surprised tpo see Chelsea skipper Terry, 25, in the runnning again. "He has been the cornerstone, not just of the Chelsea defence, but the whole foundations on which their success over the last couple of years has been built," said Taylor. "John is the one person you would want alongside you in the trenches because he is strong, dependable, reliable and fearless. "If things are not going well he will come up front and get a goal for you at a corner or free-kick." PFA YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR The six nominations Darren Bent (Charlton) Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) Anton Ferdinand (West Ham) Aaron Lennon (Tottenham) Cristiano Ronaldo (Man United) Wayne Rooney (Man United) And Taylor is not surprised to see Rooney up for the honour 12 months after he was named PFA Young Player of the Year. "Wayne is special and his development under Sir Alex Ferguson has been great to see," he added. "For a young man he has got such strength and it is all allied to great skill and perception and he is starting to show a lot more maturity too, which I am really pleased about." Rooney, still only 20, is also named in the Young Player of the Year category along with Old Trafford team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United duo face competition from Tottenham's Aaron Lennon, West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand, Charlton and England striker Darren Bent and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Bolton 0-2 Chelsea
Chelsea moved to within four points of back-to-back Premiership titles with an impressive victory at Bolton. Ricardo Vaz Te gave the champions elect an early scare when he hit the post but John Terry headed home Frank Lampard's free-kick after 44 minutes. And Lampard - who scored twice when Chelsea won the title at Bolton last season - fired in the second from Hernan Crespo's pass after 58 minutes. Bolton then had Tal Ben Haim sent off for two yellow cards as time ran out. Chelsea could seal the title with victory against Everton on Easter Monday - if Manchester United drop points at Tottenham. While Chelsea celebrated moving to the verge of more glory, Bolton were a subdued shadow of the side that threatened to seal a Champions League spot only a few weeks ago. Sam Allardyce's team barely posed a threat after Chelsea took the lead, which led to the Trotters being condemned to a fifth straight defeat. Bolton almost shocked Chelsea in the 22nd minute when Vaz Te worked a neat interchange with Jared Borgetti but his close-range effort struck the post, with keeper Petr Cech well beaten. Chelsea had been unimpressive and Kevin Nolan was uncharacteristically off-target when presented with an opening 13 minutes before half-time. But Chelsea were back on course for the title when they took the lead seconds before the break. Lampard's whipped-in free-kick set up an aerial chance for both Terry and Didier Drogba, with the Chelsea skipper providing the final touch. Both players claimed the goal but it was officially credited to Terry. Henrik Pedersen's shot on the turn gave Chelsea an anxious moment - but Lampard sealed the points in trademark fashion after 58 minutes. Lampard started the move with a pass to Crespo before timing his run into the box perfectly to receive the return ball and fire high past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Chelsea substitute Arjen Robben then had a chance when he was set up by Drogba but his first touch was poor and Jaaskelainen made the interception. Bolton's misery was complete when Ben Haim received a second yellow card for a needless foul on Michael Essien and was sent off by referee Phil Dowd. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: "I am very confident but we are not jumping, we are not singing, and neither are the players. "It is now about the next game and we need four points from four matches." Mourinho again hailed goal-scoring captain saying: "John Terry is the best in the world in his position and he has a great attitude." Bolton boss Sam Allardyce: "We fail to take our chances then the opposition get a goal before half-time. "To play against Chelsea when you are 1-0 down is difficult. "You cannot defend against the free-kick that led to their first goal." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ben Haim, Faye, N'Gotty, Gardner, Campo, Davies, Nolan, Speed (Nakata 70), Vaz Te (Giannakopoulos 45), Borgetti (Pedersen 45). Subs Not Used: Walker, Okocha. Sent Off: Ben Haim (90). Booked: Gardner, Davies, Ben Haim. Chelsea: Cech, Geremi, Gallas, Terry, Del Horno, Essien, Makelele, Lampard, Joe Cole (Paulo Ferreira 82), Crespo (Robben 60), Drogba (Huth 86). Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Wright-Phillips. Booked: Makelele, Drogba, Huth. Goals: Terry 44, Lampard 59. Att: 27,266 Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire)

Mourinho refuses to celebrate yet
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is refusing to celebrate defending the Premiership crown even though victory over Bolton has virtually assured the title. The Blues will be champions again on Monday should they better the result Manchester United achieve against Spurs when they take on Everton. "I am very confident but we are not jumping, we are not singing, and nor are the players," said Mourinho. "We've four games to kill the situation but now the situation is very loose." Regardless of Manchester United's results between now and the end of the season, Chelsea will retain their title if they pick up four points from their remaining games. "I want to think about the next game now - we need four points to be champions," said Mourinho. He added it that his squad would now "rest, regroup, go home and start preparing for the game against Everton. "And that game can leave us with just one point more to get. We don't know what will happen when Manchester United go to Tottenham but we never wait for other people's results."

Chelsea v Everton
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho may keep changes to a minimum after the impressive win over Bolton. That means midfielder Maniche will have to settle for a place on the bench after serving a one-match ban. Alan Stubbs is a doubt for Everton after picking up a groin injury in the 1-0 home defeat by Tottenham. Midfielder Mikel Arteta (ankle) is still out, as is Nuno Valente, but Tony Hibbert is back after injury and Andy van der Meyde has completed a ban. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Geremi, Ferreira, Gallas, Carvalho, Del Horno, Terry, Huth, Lampard, Essien, Maniche, Makelele, Robben, Drogba, Crespo, Gudjohnsen, Wright-Phillips, Duff, Diarra, J Cole, C Cole. Everton (from): Wright, Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Weir, Naysmith, Carsley, Davies, Cahill, Kilbane, Osman, Beattie, McFadden, Ferguson, Turner, Van der Meyde, Ferrari.

Chelsea 3-0 Everton
Chelsea moved to within one point of the Premiership title with a masterful victory over 10-man Everton. Frank Lampard coolly slotted in the first on 28 minutes after excellent work from Didier Drogba. Lee Carsley's dismissal shortly after the break for a late tackle on Drogba all but ended Everton's comeback hopes. Drogba got the goal his performance deserved with a bullet header from Lampard's corner and Michael Essien wrapped up the win with a rising shot. The result means Chelsea will lift the title for the second year running if they avoid defeat against United at Stamford Bridge on 29 April. Jose Mourinho's side could have been crowned champions on Monday but by the time they took to the field against Everton, United had put paid to that idea by beating Tottenham. The sense of anti-climax inside Stamford Bridge seemed to affect the players in a lacklustre opening. The hosts were limited to two wayward Essien efforts from range in the first 20 minutes as Everton, while offering little in attack, comfortably kept the champions at bay. However, the moment Chelsea clicked into top gear, Everton found themselves behind. Drogba chased back and robbed the ball from Tim Cahill before feeding Lampard, who netted his 20th goal of the season. Everton almost hit back within five minutes when James Beattie took advantage of indecision by William Gallas and Petr Cech to steal in and put his shot just over the crossbar. Gallas' accidental collision with Cech left the goalkeeper writhing in agony with a leg injury. He continued, and even made a fingertip save from a twice-deflected Cahill shot, but did not emerge for the second half as Carlo Cudicini took his place in goal. Mourinho opted against other changes at half-time, although Chelsea did kick off the second half without Robben, who was still in the tunnel when referee Rob Styles blew his whistle. But within two minutes, it was Everton who were down to 10 men, Carsley deservedly dismissed for an ugly two-footed lunge on Drogba. Terry should have made it 2-0, the defender blazing over from six yards, but Drogba saved his captain's blushes when he powered in a header from Lampard's corner. Chelsea's third came from a bizarre beginning. Everton crowded the goalline to keep out a Lampard free-kick from 12 yards after Richard Wright was adjudged to have picked up a backpass. But the ball eventually broke to Essien, who arrowed a well-struck shot into the top corner for only his second goal for the club. With the full-time whistle approaching, Mourinho had his feet up on the bench, safe in the knowledge that United can only now beat them on goal difference. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: "You cannot choose where you win the title. It happens where it happens, home or away, it doesn't matter. But of course, I want it to be the next game. "We're almost there. In football, normally there are no miracles - and it would be a miracle." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea: Cech (Cudicini 45), Geremi, Gallas, Terry, Del Horno, Essien, Makelele, Lampard, Robben (Joe Cole 62), Crespo (Wright-Phillips 75), Drogba. Subs Not Used: Duff, Huth. Goals: Lampard 28, Drogba 62, Essien 74. Everton: Wright, Neville, Weir, Yobo, Naysmith, Cahill, Carsley, Osman, Kilbane (Ferguson 70), McFadden, Beattie (Davies 69). Subs Not Used: Turner, Ferrari, Van der Meyde. Sent Off: Carsley (47). Att: 41,765. Ref: R Styles (Hampshire).

Ferguson looks to delay Chelsea
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United side are determined not to let Chelsea win the title against them when they meet on 29 April. United visit Stamford Bridge with Chelsea needing only a point to earn back-to-back title triumphs. Ferguson said: "It will be a fantastic game. We need to make that second spot. "Hopefully we can achieve that. It keeps the fans interested and keeps everybody at the club interested and keeps the season bubbling away." Ferguson also tried to continue to maintain some psychological pressure on Chelsea. He added: "There are times when you have the title sewn up and there is a bit of complacency about the place." Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he does not care who his side confirm their Premiership crown against and seems determined make sure his side do not ease up after their run of three successive victories. "We are very close but not there yet and now I just want to be the champion," he said. "Some people prefer to win it at home, some away, but for me the thing is to beat Manchester United and if we do that we will be champions. "If it was Blackburn or Newcastle, the desire would be the same. You cannot choose. "The supporters want us to be champions at home so they can give us an extra push - and maybe that will take us to the silverware. "For me it is important to finish in front of Manchester United. I have always said that the best team wins the championship because it is 10 months long and it is not about luck or mistakes. "The best team wins so if at the end of the season we finish first, I am very happy." United beat Chelsea in the reverse fixture earlier this season and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has hinted the club's players would relish earning the point they need against the Old Trafford side. The Ivory Coast forward said: "The game against United is the big final and everybody has been waiting for this game."

Cech will be fit for FA Cup semi
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech says he will be fit for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, despite suffering a bad gash to his leg on Monday. The Czech international had 10 stitches in the injury that forced him to leave the field in the 3-0 win over Everton. He initially feared he had broken the leg, adding: "I had quite a big cut and it was very painful. "But there is nothing serious so it is good news. Everyone is positive and I think I'll be ready for the next game." The 23-year-old suffered the injury when William Gallas trod on his leg as the pair dealt with an Everton attack. And he told the club website: "I went for the ball, felt the pain and at first I thought my leg was broken. "But fortunately after that I was able to stand up. I thought I'd try and stay until the end of the first-half, but it was a good decision to go off in the end." However, Cech admits he is not guaranteed a starting role at Old Trafford, as number two Carlo Cudicini has been first-choice keeper during the FA Cup campaign. "It is the manager's decision and whether it is me or Carlo, we will be strong enough," he said. "Carlo has been doing brilliantly well and with him in goal we have reached the semi-final. Now we must make sure we make the final." But the 6' 5" keeper hopes to be back in the starting line-up when Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 29 April, in the knowledge that a draw or win will see the Blues retain their Premiership title. "It is looking like the perfect day to celebrate. "Man United is always a big game and everybody will be watching. We are so close we want to win it at the first possible game."

Chelsea v Liverpool
Eidur Gudjohnsen has been ruled out of Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool because of illness. Michael Essien is a doubt with a knee injury while fellow midfielder Maniche is suspended following his recent red card against West Ham. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard returns having been rested with a hamstring strain at Blackburn. Robbie Fowler is cup tied but Peter Crouch should return. Harry Kewell is poised to start on the left wing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "When we meet them it's normally on big occasions. We met them in the Champions League semi-final, the Carling Cup final and now in the FA Cup semi-final. In the league, we always met at crucial moments. "It's not normal to play 10 times in two years. I look at them the same as I look at another team. I have no special feeling. "Every game we play, the game is close but when you look at the Premiership, the distance is very big. Last season we had 30 points more. "This season we have 15 but history will not interfere with this game. It's just a game we feel we can win. I also feel they can win it." Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia: "Chelsea must be favourites, we know that. It just makes us more determined to beat them. The fans demand trophies and that is what keeps the club going and the players too. "If you want to win anything you must beat the best. And that is Chelsea, they are champions and will be again, so the pressure is much more on them. "We are underdogs, they are first, we are third, they must be the favourites. They have the best individuals and a very good manager who can bring good individuals together with his tactics to produce an excellent job. "They have got their form back but they have shown that they can be beaten. And we have done it."

Blues warned over Wright-Phillips
Ian Wright believes stepson Shaun Wright-Phillips should leave Chelsea next season if he does not get regular first-team football. Wright-Phillips, 24, has started just nine Premiership games since his £21m move from Manchester City last summer. Former Arsenal striker Wright told Sir Stanley: "I know how much Shaun wants to play for Chelsea. "But if Shaun has another season like this I will be telling him it's time to move on." Wright said he shared Wright-Phillips' disappointment at constantly being left on the bench. He added: "It's frustrating because I want him to play and show the fans what he's got. "It's been really hard for him but it's been something he's had to get used to. "Obviously he's disappointed. He knew he was going to have to bide his time, but I don't think he realised how much. "The thing is, he loves Chelsea. People say to me all the time 'why did you let him join them?' but at the end of the day he was joining the champions, just like me when I went to Arsenal. "He could do the double in his first season but he hasn't had a major role to play. Hopefully that will happen next season, but if it doesn't we'll have to start thinking 'what are we going to do now'? No-one could blame Shaun for that." Wright, speaking at the launch of the Sure Fanzone World Cup venue in London, insisted he was not too worried about his stepson's World Cup chances being affected by a lack of first-team football. "What's good about Shaun is that it has not affected his confidence," Wright said. "Whenever he's played for England he's done really well, taking people on and putting in crosses. He showed that against Uruguay and hopefully Sven-Goran Eriksson feels the same. "People watching him in internationals are saying 'why isn't he getting a game for Chelsea?' - only Jose Mourinho can answer that. "At least Mourinho is consistent - he does it to all the players. He leaves out Duff, he pulls off Joe Cole, so I don't think he's picking on Shaun. "Of course he feels particularly hard done by after coming in for £21m and only playing his first 90 minutes two months ago - you'd have to feel a little bit aggrieved by that. "On the plus side he would be one of the freshest players in the England squad and raring to go. It could work in our favour. "If he has a great World Cup he should get in Chelsea's first team. "If he doesn't, I'll be saying 'Shaun, you've got to start thinking about this'. He needs to be playing regular football - that's all he wants. Playing football and achieving success."

Mourinho plays down Reds threat
Jose Mourinho insists Liverpool are not closing the gap on Chelsea, despite Saturday's FA Cup semi-final defeat. The Blues are 15 points ahead of Liverpool in the top flight and Chelsea boss Mourinho said: "In the Premiership they have no chance. "Over 40 matches, no chance. Maybe they will surprise me and they can do it. "But in 10 matches against us they have won twice. In the Premiership the distance between the teams is 45 points over two seasons." Liverpool beat the Blues in the Champions League semi-final last season, while the Stamford Bridge outfit came out on top when the two teams met in the 2005 Carling Cup final. Mourinho added: "We beat them in a final, they beat us in two semi-finals. A psychological advantage? I don't think so. "In four matches in the Premiership we beat them four times." Mourinho was also adamant after the FA Cup semi-final loss at old Trafford on Saturday that his team did not deserve to lose. Chelsea's Portuguese manager cited poor finishing from his players and favourable refereeing towards Liverpool as the major factors in his side's defeat. "Did the best team win? I don't think so," he insisted. "In the last 30 minutes we deserved extra time. "In the first half nobody was better. They had a good start to the second half but then we dominated the game. "I cannot wish them luck in the final. Middlesbrough or West Ham will be there and I must respect them." And he added somewhat mischievously: "I wish them luck for their qualification match in the Champions League."

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