Cahill predicts Arsenal will push Chelsea in Premiership title race

However, when Mourinho spoke with Sky Sports in the UK on Tuesday and was asked about their rivals for the title this season, he was hugely complimentary about Arsenal and the other contenders.

“I am always happy with what I have got”, he added.

Surely it can not be as straightforward for Chelsea again?

“Arsenal are a fantastic club with great players”, he said. His movement, his strength, his finishing’s been different class.

However, what is more concerning is the injury status of Diego Costa.

“Certainly, the way my team behaved during some periods in the game, it helped, it was important for them to get that hurdle out of the way”. “But I’ve worked to prevent it occurring”.

“But you know, I’m a coach”.

Meanwhile, Mourinho urged Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the highly-rated England youngster, to take his chance if the opportunity arises this season.

There is a reliance on Terry, though, with Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta the only other first-team defenders in the squad.

“Five is not enough”.

“I was surprised by [Chelsea boss] Jose Mourinho because he really doesn’t do that”, Flamini said. However, Chelsea lost because they are simply not where they need to be at the moment and with less than seven days until the start of the Premier League, this is worrying. “That’s our weakness”.

The Portuguese also commented on an incident between the duo last season, when Wenger had pushed Mourinho on the touchline during a match at Stamford Bridge.

Arsene Wenger’s side have now won on their last four visits to the national stadium after winning two Community Shields and two FA Cups.

Having scored 20 goals in 26 league appearances last season, Costa is absolutely key if Chelsea are to win anything this season.

“As long as I get it… every time in press conferences, it can have an impact on the team”, he said. “I think he is a very bright goalkeeper as well”.

Chelsea are aiming to become the first team to retain the title since Manchester United in 2009 and Mourinho believes it will be the usual clubs challenging them.

Trophy-laden spells with Inter and Real Madrid followed before the 52-year-old was lured back to the Premier League by Chelsea in 2013, Mourinho winning his third English title in his second campaign back at the club.