Jose Mourinho has warned Sir Alex Ferguson that his Chelsea side
have the bit between their teeth and are more than capable of
overhauling Manchester United at the Premiership summit.
Despite being hit with a spate of injuries to his defensive ranks
this term, Chelsea have picked up of late and on Wednesday night
claimed an impressive 3-0 win over Blackburn.
Chasing a third successive title, Mourinho believes his players
have exceeded his expectations this season, given the fact his
choices have been threadbare at times.
"To be six points behind at this moment is very, very good,"
Mourinho told the Daily Express.
"It's a big achievement for a group full of problems, problems that
look like they will never end.
"But the group is strong and will fight against the difficult
situation.
"We need 11 players at least but with 11 we can do it. We need
everybody together, fighting for the team and giving his
best."
At the creative hub of his side's work Mourinho expects Michael
Ballack to prove his undoubted quality between now and the
campaign's close.
The German schemer has received his critics this term for the
manner in which he plays the game, with his laid-back promptings
not something seen too often in the intense surrounds of the
Premiership.
Mourinho, though, remains a firm admirer of a player he brought to
West London in the summer from Bayern Munich.
"Michael makes a big contribution to the team," he added. "Maybe
not for you, maybe not for the supporters, but for me.
"And because I pick make the team, not the supporters, not you and
not anybody else, if he makes me happy and gives me want I want
then he is happy."
