We’ll win league, says Blues boss

JOSE MOURINHO finally predicted that his Chelsea side would become the club’s first champions for 50 years.

On the day Mourinho was hit with a charge of improper conduct for claiming Manchester United’s players cheated in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea manager claimed for the first time that the title was theirs for the taking.

Chelsea, 10 points clear of nearest rivals and reigning champions Arsenal, are odds-on favourites to win the Barclays Premiership and now Mourinho agrees with the bookies. The Blues need to win 11 of their remaining games to walk off with their first title since 1955.

Mourinho said: “I think we will win the league. At this moment it is easier to win the league than the Champions League or even the FA Cup.

“When you have a lead of 10 points, it is easier than the start of the season when everybody has the same points. It will still be difficult because we have to win 11 matches. But my players are very committed, it is like a crusade to win something.

“They don’t need me to motivate them now. They have their own self-belief and are very, very strong. The mental side is always very important.”

Mourinho added: “we are the most exciting team in the Premiership. Nobody plays better than us. I think Arsenal had a beautiful start and Manchester United are having a very good period. In the last two months, they have been fantastic. But I think over the six months of competition, we are the best side. That’s why we are where we are.”