Diego Costa was a key addition ahead of Chelsea’s title-winning season, but cover was lacking when the Spain striker’s fragile hamstrings flared up.
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Mourinho, however, has no long-term concerns over the 26-year-old’s fitness and says Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao will provide Costa with stiff competition during the season.
He added: ‘I think [the Community Shield is] in between.
Mourinho is a specialist in setting his sides up for big games and Sunday will be no different as he will want to stretch his unbeaten run against Wenger to 14 games and start the campaign with silverware.
“All good“, Mourinho said.
“I want to develop him as a centre-back”.
“When he went to Manchester United I have to say I was a bit scared because he’s a predator in the box and a guy who does score goals all the time”, Mourinho told ESPN FC.
“Hazard is in this category, now to reach the other two or three that are dominating world football at the moment I think it demands consistency which he is still to do”.
“Last season, yes [Hazard was better]”, Mourinho said. He admitted that Arsenal could win the PL title this season as he brushed off questions about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger never beating him in 13 previous encounters in the dugout. “That’s why we have been lucky on this one“, added the French midfielder. So we have to be ready and know how strong we have to be.
He said: “No. I just want my club to get the best possible result”. The West Londoners’ faultless record was spoiled by New York Red Bulls in the worldwide Champions Cup in the United States.
Judging by the Blues schedule, they played against Barcelona in the States two days ago and squeeze in another pre-season game with Fiorentina next week before facing Swansea in the league, it’s fair to assume they could rotate their squad heavily.
“I lost twice against Tony Pulis”, said Mourinho, after pausing to think.
Wenger, who confirmed that Danny Welbeck (knee) will not be fit for the showdown at Wembley, also refuted suggestions that Southampton had enquired about taking defender Chambers back on loan following his switch to the Emirates Stadium last July. They’re a top squad…
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Though, this match comes along as a massive opportunity for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
