Jose Mourinho: ‘Diego Costa can’t always be available for Chelsea’

The Premier League champions were defeated by Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, and Wenger appeared to swerve a handshake with his counterpart at the full time whistle.

Chelsea are looking to become the first team to retain the Premier League title since Manchester United in 2009 and Mourinho believes the usual clubs will be pushing them hard.

Wenger headed straight down the Wembley tunnel after his first victory over Mourinho in 14 attempts, then walked behind the Chelsea manager, who was waiting to shake the hands of the Arsenal players coming down the steps from the trophy presentation.

But, according to Cahill, there was not much to choose between the London rivals.

Wenger, who seemed to snub Mourinho as the Chelsea coach shook hands with Arsenal’s players after the game, bristled at the suggestion that he was abandoning his normal philosophy. I think we have to get over the fact he’s left now.

But Mourinho is coy over whether the club will complete a deal for a replacement defender and suggests that current squad players will be forced to play out of position to fill certain positions this term.

Chelsea’s defeat leaves them without any wins from their four pre-season matches to date, including a 4-2 defeat to New York Red Bulls.

“Maybe I’m wrong but I think fewer points will win the title”, Mourinho said.

Chelsea won back-to-back Premier League titles under Mourinho when the Special One arrived in 2004.

‘I was doing what I think the status of my club and my status as a manager have to do, which is be there for the winners, to wait for them, ‘ said Mourinho. “We have seen some aspects in our team that I’m very pleased with”.

They have also added Petr Cech this summer, with many saying his addition in arguably their weakest area has pushed them even closer to being title contenders.

“This year you can see from the reaction of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Man United”.

“Of course, it is not the most important game but we want to win and compete”. ‘I thought we were on top, if anything.

“I say they were very well organised and because of that I give total credit”, the Chelsea boss noted further.