Jose
Mourinho expects Chelsea to sign a left-back before the end of the transfer
window.
The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with Everton’s John
Stones and Mourinho confirmed that he was still looking to bolster his
defence before the window closes.
"We need a left-back, the board knows that and my feeling is that we are
going to have one,” he said.
Everton’s manager, Roberto Martinez, recently criticised Chelsea’s approach
for the 21-year-old England international, but Mourinho was quick hit back
at the Spaniard’s comments.
"If I could I would only speak to the media once a month, but there are some
in football who want to every day,” said the Portuguese.
Chelsea have had a quiet transfer window so far, with only Asmir Begovic,
Danilo Pantic and Nathan arriving at the club on permanent deals, in
addition to Radamel Falcao’s loan signing from Monaco.
The Stamford Bridge club kick off their title defence at home against
Swansea on Saturday and Mourinho admits that he is unsure if Diego Costa
will be available for selection, with the striker still recovering from a
hamstring injury.
“I don't know, I promise you,” he said.
"I think he'll train. His reaction to that and confidence to play is another
story. When he plays, he's [equivalent to] 1.5 [strikers], he compensates.
"I prefer a top player who is sometimes injured, than one who is always
available but only a bit better than me."
Mourinho also expects this season's Premier League to be much more
competitive than in previous years.
"I believe the teams who are not title contenders will be stronger this
year," he said.
"The gap between the top and the others will be shorter.
"We'll try to be a good team, and be here in March or April speaking about
winning something."
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