Mourinho Downplays Chelsea Title Chances

• Reuters, Tuesday, January 28, 2014 3:47 PM

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has once again downplayed the Blues’ chances of lifting the Premier League title this season, despite the fact that his men currently sit just two points behind first-placeArsenal. Speaking ahead of Chelsea's home clash against West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, the Portuguese said his team would be more equipped to mount a title challenge next season.

"The chance of champagne in the future is good but not this season," Mourinho told a news conference on Tuesday while celebrating his 51st birthday by sharing some bubbly with reporters. "We have to try to keep our good form going and let things happen naturally. Our main objective this season is to build a team. I can imagine next season we are going to be really strong. This season we are in the competitions and we always want to win."

He noted that the game against West Ham precedes a difficult trip to Manchester City the following Monday. "We need to play against City with something to play for, not 10 points behind, and we should be one or two points from them," Mourinho said, adding: "I see a difficult match against West Ham. New players, fewer injuries, time to work and rest after a difficult Christmas period."

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