Mourinho: Show us more respect

Jose Mourinho believes Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea do not receive the respect they deserve as he ponders selecting an alternate team for Sunday’s clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Blues are five points adrift of Liverpool with three games to play, and injuries to goalkeeper Petr Cech (shoulder), captain John Terry (ankle), playmaker Eden Hazard (calf) and striker Samuel Eto’o (knee) coupled with the proximity to next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid mean Mourinho is pondering wholesale changes at Anfield.

It might take the gloss of a potential title decider, but the Portuguese is aggrieved Chelsea’s fixture has not been moved to give the Blues the best possible chance in Europe and insists he has the fans’ support.

“I think Chelsea fans would like Chelsea Football Club to be respected and to get the respect Chelsea Football Club deserves,” Mourinho said.

“They know what Chelsea did, not just for Chelsea Football Club, but for English football.”

Mourinho declined to reveal the content of discussions with the Chelsea hierarchy and whether he will field numerous changes.

Chelsea are unlikely to be punished by the Premier League for making several changes as clubs can select any player in their 25-man squad list without fear of sanction.

“You wait for Sunday and Sunday you know our team,” Mourinho added.

Prior to Mourinho’s media conference Chelsea made it clear his Football Association charge would not be discussed, nor would the Blues boss comment on charges levelled at his assistant Rui Faria.

Both have until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charges.

“Every time I speak there is a consequence,” Mourinho added.

“Even if I say that a referee was amazing that was a reason to be with a charge. I can’t say the truth. I don’t feel free at all. If you want a better press conference, speak with the FA.”