It has become a trend these days that managers are praising their opponents in one way or another; yes we are talking about a new and unexpected growing trend especially in Premier League where media bytes are intentionally being passed just before an important showdown between two favorites of the title. Jose Mourinho, the over the sky Chelsea manager who is proving his comeback a success for The Blues, has predicted City as the new League winner; and guess what; Chelsea is about to meet Manchester City on coming Sunday. Actually, it has nothing to do who will win the English topflight this year, but how you win the psychological battle ahead of your playoff with your opponents and 50-year-old Portuguese is the master of war of the words. Upcoming mega showdown between two top contenders of the title is going to be one of the highly anticipated games of the season and fans of both clubs are eagerly waiting to see how these masters respond to a professional attack.
If we look at the early trend, bookmakers are offering higher odds in Chelsea’s favor than last year’s defending champions which shows how fruitful Mourinho’s mind game could be. If we carefully go through what he said, he seems to be praising City think-tanks equally to that of players who will actually score the goals. He replied when asked if City is going to be the winner this year and he politely answered, “You have to say that. You said that in 2004 and 2005. Now it’s up to you to say yes or no. City have “two very good teams: One playing and another one on the bench and in the stands.”
Despite what former Real Madrid boss said about the match, Vincent Kompany’s absence would always be a costly loss for the injuries-fighting City, though Mourinho thinks otherwise and doesn’t find any danger in him. He said about the Belgian footballer, “It’s a surprise for me, because I thought he was going to play, but it doesn’t change. I am in a situation where I can choose. Some people can’t choose. If in this moment I decide to stop football, I stop football. Just that. But no offence against him, no offence against Malaga.”
Looking at the league leaderboard positions, both City and Chelsea are very close to each other where even a draw can change their fates. He replied when asked about the possible standings in May, he said, “Everything and everybody. The medical department that recovers a player one week; the board that gives great support and great stability; the supporters that travel away to support the team; the supporters at home that are very strong in the way they support; the manager that is more or less talented to help the team in some difficult moments; a little bit of luck also plays a part. All of this together, and at the end of May, somebody will be champion.”