Nemanja
Matic says everyone will forget Chelsea’s flat start to the season if they
conquer Manchester City on Super Sunday.
The top two from the Premier League last season go head-to-head in a
heavyweight clash at the Etihad Stadium experiencing contrasting starts to
the new campaign.
Chelsea were held 2-2 at home to Swansea while City eased past West Brom 3-0
at the Hawthorns and subsequently have become the title favourites according
to the betting markets.
That draw with the Swans at Stamford Bridge was another recent underwhelming
performance by the champions, having endured a mediocre pre-season and being
beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who has won seven and lost just two of the 12
meetings as a coach with City boss Manuel Pellegrini, has also been
criticised for his behaviour towards his medical staff during the latter
stages of that Swansea encounter.
However, Matic prefers to look forward rather than back and admits all the
negativity surrounding the club will be forgotten if they beat their title
rivals.
Speaking to Soccer Saturday ahead of Sunday's Sky Live clash, he said: “It
doesn’t matter what you did yesterday, the most important thing is what
you’re going to do tomorrow. If we draw, then that’s not great for us. But
if we win, then no one will be talking about Swansea.
“These are the games I like to play in. It’s something special for all of
us. We are prepared. Our statistics against big teams show how he (Mourinho)
prepares for these games and I’m happy because of that.”
Matic has played a crucial role in Mourinho’s midfield since rejoining the
club from Benfica in January 2014 for £25m with his enforcing skills in
front of the back-four a key attribute for snuffing out elite Premier League
attackers.
No team has regained the Premier League title since Manchester United in the
2008/09 season but Matic thinks becoming a champion is an addictive feeling
and is confident of defending their crown.
He said: “We are professionals and we felt very good when we won the league.
We want to repeat that. Last year was amazing for us when we won the league.
We will fight until the end to win it again and we have the quality to do
that.
“It was the best moment in my career as the Premier League is something
special. It’s a great feeling when you see the table and see great teams are
behind you.”
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