Jose Mourinho has not ruled out Saints playing a part in the Premier League title race, and insists the work that has been conducted at St Mary’s must be respected.
The Chelsea manager has steered his team to the top of this season’s table, with their nearest challengers right now coming in the unlikely shape of Southampton.
Second-placed Saints trail the Blues by four points after the first ten games of the campaign, with Ronald Koeman’s men hosting Leicester tomorrow, while Mourinho’s side travel to Liverpool.
Mourinho said: "Everyone that wants to be, everyone that feels they can be (is still in the title race).
"Is Southampton unexpected to be there? Maybe yes, but do they deserve to be there? Yes. Can they decide that the title can be for them? It's up to them.
"Apart from that, all the traditional teams (are in contention).
"A distance of four, five or six points or eight or 10 at the beginning of November doesn't put somebody out of the title race."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel