Jose
Mourinho spoke out in defence of underfire Manchester City manager Manuel
Pellegrini ahead of welcoming rivals United to Stamford Bridge on
Saturday Night Football.
The Blues are seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal and 12 points
clear of holders City, who are fourth, entering this weekend's fixtures.
Chelsea's boss says the media wants numerous teams to fight for the title,
but then pounce on perceived failure.
"I'm not surprised because it can happen to anyone," said Mourinho, when
asked about City's run of four wins in 12 league games.
"Every game is difficult. What I'm surprised about is that a team that won
two titles in three years, a team that are still champions and won two
trophies last season, you (the media) can bring this team to hell.
"It looks like they don't deserve respect, that they are bad players, that
the manager is a bad manager, that they are a disaster. And they are the
champions. I don't understand.
"So how can you be so negative with a team that's won two titles in three
years? Okay, they won't win this title this year, but they did last year.
"Some clubs and managers can not win and life goes on, but the guys at Man
City - it looks like they're criminals because they don't win the league."
Some reports suggest Pellegrini's job is under threat, with Borussia
Dortmund's outgoing coach Jurgen Klopp among those linked.
Mourinho said: "I feel it's amazing. It doesn't matter the problems. You are
the champions and people are already pushing you. It's a big contradiction.
"If there are two people pushing for the title, you are the man if you win
it and you lose? You want five, six, seven teams to fight for the title,
only one can win the title."
When it was pointed out that clubs sack managers, not the media, Mourinho
said: "With the pressure you do - you give a big help."
Chelsea's handsome advantage at the summit suggests a dominant performance
this term, but Mourinho was adamant it has not been a straightforward
campaign and the title must still be claimed.
"(The league is) more difficult than ever," he said.
"For me, the difficulty of every game is amazing. In the last nine matches,
we never won by two goals difference. The last time we won by more than one
goal was Swansea in January (winning 5-0).
"I don't forget that we were always top of the league but we went to eight
points difference, and then down to zero.
"And then, because we scored a late goal against Tottenham (in defeat), we
kept the leadership by one goal, level points from Man City."
Sam Allarcye has also backed Pellegrini and belives the Chile coach deserves
more faith for his achievements of just one season.
"The hardest thing to do in the game of football is to win the title
back-to-back," said Allardyce.
"It is hard enough winning it in the first place, but going back-to-back is
more difficult.
"City won it fair and square last year and found it hard to raise themselves
to that level again consistently."
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