Chelsea
manager Jose Mourinho insists records are of no consequence as he looks to
claim a rare win against Newcastle at St James' Park.
Mourinho, who has never won on Tyneside, can take the Blues' unbeaten run to
24 games with a result against Alan Pardew's side but is adamant that all
that matters is putting points on the board.
He said: "I'm not looking for records. I'm looking for points - victories
and points - and if it's possible at the end of the season, title. I'm not
looking for records. I just want to win the next match and that's all.
"I wouldn't know about the record if you hadn't told me about it 20 times.
The record I want is to win the Premier League three times with this club.
That's the only record I want.
"The only thing that matters for me in the Premier League is that I won the
title twice. That's all that's important for me.
"It's a difficult stadium to play in. There are a few stadiums in this
country that clearly, when they see the Chelsea shirts, they make the game
of their lives and when they play against other teams they play them like
friendlies.
"Maybe this is because Chelsea, in the last decade, become a strong team
that everybody wants to beat."
Mourinho, who confirmed Diego Costa will return to the starting line-up
following his ban for Wednesday's 3-0 win over Tottenham, also rubbished
claims his league leaders may struggle without suspended midfield anchor man
Nemanja Matic.
Mourinho added: "Diego was also important for us and he didn't play and we
didn't want to speak about it. This time, a big player for us is not playing
but we trust other people and we forget Matic, who has a little bit of a
holiday - a free weekend he deserves very much. He'll be back stronger."
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