Mourinho claims Mata sale was “unexpected”

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho does not believe he will be celebrating another Premier League triumph at the end of the season, but still insists he is happy with his side’s progress.

The Portuguese was in an upbeat mood ahead of the West Londoners clash with West Ham on Wednesday night, sharing champagne with sections of the media during his press conference to celebrate his recent 51st birthday.

When pressed on whether his side’s title challenge would end in success, Mourinho was quick to play down their chances.

“I don’t think so,” Mourinho said. “I think we have to drink champagne because we are improving. I think we are improving a lot. The team and the players, so the perspectives of champagne in the future are good. I think we are going in a good direction,” he told Sky Sports.

“We are playing well. I think we are playing well. I think the game against Stoke was a good 1-0. Quality. Individually, very good performances. Collectively, very good. The quality of the game was good,” he insisted.

Mourinho’s men have conceded just three goals throughout their impressive seven game unbeaten run, which is a key reason behind their successful festive and New Year period.

“Defending well is also an art, and they, (Chelsea’s back four), defended very well. So I think the team is playing well. You never know what is going to happen in the next match, but the reality is that the results are arriving as a consequence of the team playing very good football.”

The Special One also revealed he is pleased with the club’s dealings off the pitch following the sale of Kevin De Bruyne and Juan Mata.

“We are happy with what we did. The De Bruyne move was expected. He’s a fantastic player but was an expected deal for us, and very good if you compare what Chelsea paid for Kevin a couple of years ago and the amount we made now.

“Juan was unexpected, and we answer immediately with Salah which we believe a 21-year-old boy in his time will be a good player for us,” he declared.