Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels Liverpool’s absence from European competition is a major boon to their hopes of lifting a first Premier League title since 1990.
GettyImagesJose Mourinho says Liverpool are genuine contenders.
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Mourinho’s side are the current league leaders but Liverpool sit just four points behind, with this season’s title run-in shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that a lack of European football has been beneficial for his players at his enabled them to stay fresh and focused on the league campaign.
And with Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal all still involved in the Champions League, Mourinho feels that Liverpool have a huge advantage and should be taken seriously.
“When I say we’re not the top candidate everyone thinks ‘here he is again, with what you like to call the mind games,’” Mourinho told Sky Sports News.
“But it’s just my feeling. The league is amazing but Liverpool have a big advantage because of the fact they don’t play in the Champions League.”
And Mourinho is not expecting any of the teams in the title race to have an easy ride in the run-in, adding: “Every team needs points for their objective — some for relegation, some for Champions League football and some are trying to be champions. It’s going to be hard for everybody.”