http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25534185 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool are genuine title contenders because Brendan Rodgers's side can fully focus on the Premier League. The Portuguese feels that the Reds's lack of European action could help them to a first championship in 24 years. "They are not involved in the heat of the knock-out situation in the Champions League or even Europa League," Mourinho said. "Quality, plus ambition and this advantage - so yes, (they could win)." Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are all still in the Champions League, and Mourinho believes that Liverpool could end up playing 20 fewer games than some of their title challengers over the season. "These players are going to play 60 matches. Liverpool will play 40 matches. It's a big difference," he continued. "Liverpool are on holidays (for) one season - one week to prepare a match, play the match, one more week to prepare the next match. This is an advantage, an unbelievable advantage." Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, with Luis Suarez making his first appearance against the West Londoners since serving a 10-match suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April. The Uruguay striker has netted 19 goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, but Mourinho feels that the 26-year-old is not Liverpool's only threat. "He didn't start the season, with suspension, and after that the numbers are fantastic," Mourinho said. "When he came back, it was a big plus. But let's be fair - Liverpool did very well without him when he was suspended."
got his ****ing excuses in already lol. well if we had cl football we would obviously have a bigger squad, and injuries have ****ed us up as we are thin at the moment. cant all go out and buy who we ruddy want or have ridiculous numbers of players on loan to other clubs!
Maureen's just having his daily moan, predictable mind games. Moaning about his strikers, moaning about Chelsea's title challenge. If his missus moaned as much as him, she'd be a film star.
But it's a bit like the Westminster Bubble - nobody apart from those involved are even listening. None of that will make a blind bit of difference to Brendan or the team and the vast majority of fans will merely shrug and say "what do you expect?"
Other teams can focus on the league too, its not our fault they are greedy and don't set priorities Seriously though, the CL is on hold until February so I don't get why its being pointed out now. We could easily return it by pointing out we have sixteen fit players compared to their 25+!
Rodgers has already laughed it off saying what manager wouldn't rather have the problem of inheriting a team, already in the competition. While his job is getting his team there, different challenges. He also just waves at Mourinho's ego, although it sounds like a heartfelt thank you for chances given. Nice BR. Classy.
