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'Lucky' City will get found out in Europe, Mourinho claims

Jose Mourinho has questioned the assertion of Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood that Chelsea's next opponents Manchester City are the best team on the planet.

Sherwood lauded City after Manuel Pellegrini's men won 5-1 at White Hart Lane to go top of the Premier League ahead of Monday's contest with Mourinho's side at the Etihad Stadium.

Mourinho believes City will find their true level in European competition, where they face Barcelona in the Champions League first knockout round.

"Maybe, for the Tottenham manager, the planet is England," said the Chelsea boss, who signed defender Kurt Zouma from St Etienne on Friday.

"You will see (how good City are) in the Champions League. You will see in a couple of months."

Mourinho also suggested City have been fortunate game-changing decisions have gone their way this season - something he described as a coincidence but was at pains to point out as Mike Dean prepares to referee Monday's match.

"They are lucky," Mourinho said. "The reality is they have many crucial decisions in their favour.

"Against Liverpool, the (Raheem) Sterling 'goal'. The penalty on (Luis) Suarez. Against Newcastle the goal that is a clear goal.

"Against Tottenham, (Michael) Dawson's goal, the penalty, the (Danny Rose) red card. They are having everything.

"I repeat, because I don't want to be misinterpreted (it is) just pure coincidence.

"The referees, they try to do their best and sometimes they make mistakes and normally during the season the mistakes are split between teams.

"In their (City's) case, they have everything in their favour."

City have a 100 per cent record from 11 home matches, averaging more than four goals a game, and are a fearsome prospect for most visiting opponents.

Mourinho is unfazed and, unlike in goalless draws at Manchester United and Arsenal, says Chelsea go to City seeking victory.

The Portuguese, who was frustrated by West Ham's negative tactics in Wednesday's 0-0 draw, said: "We're not going to change our philosophy. Chelsea always go to try and win."

City, who are three points ahead of third-placed Chelsea entering the match, are Mourinho's favourites for the title in a season of rebuilding for the Blues.

He will be more optimistic next term.

"Next pre-season, day one, I will say we are candidates to win the Premier League," he said.

"This season, the speech is we are candidates to win the next match. It doesn't matter where, it doesn't matter the opponent.

"We're just trying to win. I tell you now, before Man City... I will tell you before the Newcastle game next week, and then West Brom. I will repeat this."

"Independent that some clubs are feeling the Financial Fair Play as a 'fair' Financial Fair Play, and some others are feeling the Financial Fair Play as a 'dodgy' Financial Fair Play, next pre-season, day one, I will say Chelsea are a candidate (for the title)."

Saul Goodman wrote:Just typical mind games. Who cares

PeterParker wrote:If i was Pellers i will print this and put in the dressing room. The fucker motivated us even more.

Wonderwall wrote:I really hope we are very lucky on Monday!