Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has warned his English Premiership rivals to improve or finish second again.
Chelsea romped to the title by 12 points last season, and Mourinho says unless Arsenal and Manchester United raise their game, they will be left with the consolation prizes again.
Arsenal beat Manchester in the FA Cup final.
”This season, other teams know how strong we are and they have to improve. If they are the same, then they have no chance,” the Portuguese coach told The Sun.
”We know it will be harder for us this season, but I always think the most difficult thing is to win the first trophy then defend it.”
Mourinho says he was frustrated at not winning all four trophies on offer last season. They won the Premiership and League Cup, beating Liverpool in the final, but lost to Liverpool in the Champions League semifinals and were beaten by Newcastle in the FA Cup.
”At the start of the season, I want to win everything. I’m frustrated because we did not win everything last season.”
And he has told his players he wants a win in every home match next season.
”We have to show the rest of the Premiership that they cannot win at Stamford Bridge. Every fortnight must be three points, three points, three points.”
Chelsea’s only league defeat last season was at Manchester City, and Mourinho said it was a key moment.
”It was important we kept together. Arsenal went five points clear, but we never doubted ourselves, there were no question marks and no problems between people in the group. We stayed strong.”
And he shrugged off the Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
”In knockout competitions there is always space for a surprise. Liverpool had 37 points less than us in the Premiership — but they are European champions.”
Mourinho did not comment on reports that Chelsea are ready to offer Barcelona a staggering â,¬120-million for Brazil superstar Ronaldinho or give any news of a move for Man City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted he is fed up with Chelsea dictating the transfer market.
Wenger said he wants to bid for Wright-Phillips, but admits there is little point as long as Chelsea are interested.
”We are in a transfer market where you first have to let Chelsea make decisions and then come in when they have made that decision,” the Frenchman said.
”That is because there is a price for Chelsea and a price for everybody else.” — Sapa-AFP