Chelsea unaffected by furore ahead of Man City game – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has insisted the controversy of the last week has not affected Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s game at Manchester City. 

The Blues have been under scrutiny after Dr Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn were criticised by manager Mourinho for rushing on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard during last weekend’s draw with Swansea City.

But Mourinho said: “If somebody thinks a disagreement between two members of the medical staff and the manager can affect the week, it is somebody that does not have a clue about what football is and preparation for matches.”

He added: “They will not be on the bench but it doesn’t mean that Sunday is the rest of our season or careers. They will not be there on Sunday but it doesn’t mean they cannot be in the future.

“I have a fantastic medical department with specialists in different areas. I have a good relationship with them.

“And as they tell me, they have never had as much praise as they have had with me in the last couple of years. I praise them lots and they don’t forget that.

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“We had disagreements during these periods, but we need disagreements to improve and we work together and we improve together and that is the way we do things.”

And Mourinho played down the significance of the City clash in the title race.

“A season is very, very long,” he said. “Thirty-eight matches is an eternity. The game is not decisive.

“It is important, with two title contenders, but for sure the game doesn’t decide anything for the winner or loser.”

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