Chelsea
boss Jose Mourinho is adamant his relationship with captain John Terry is as
strong as ever despite suggestions of a rift between the pair.
The 34-year-old played every minute in the Premier League as Chelsea won the
title last term, but is by no means assured of his place against Arsenal on
Saturday.
Terry was substituted at half-time in the 3-0 loss at Manchester City, was
sent off in the win at West Brom and was an unused substitute in the midweek
Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Steven Gerrard, Terry's successor as England captain, suggested relations
were strained between Blues boss and skipper, something Mourinho has denied
and says shows a lack of respect.
"I don't think John deserves somebody to say he has a problem with me,"
Mourinho said. "I'm not even speaking about myself, I don't care about
myself.
"But I think a top professional like he is and the way he always behaves in
this club with me, I don't think he deserves any kind of doubt about what he
is as a professional and as a captain in this club."
Mourinho insists he is only doing what is best for the team and believes
Terry understands that as much as anyone else.
"Last season he played every minute but two seasons ago he didn't and three
seasons ago even less. So what's the problem?" Mourinho said.
"He's a player of my total confidence. I trust him as always and he's one of
my men. Because he's on the bench one game or because I take him off at
half-time, nothing changes.
"For John the situation with me hasn't changed since 2004 (when Mourinho
first became Chelsea boss). It is exactly the same. I play the player I
think is the best for that game, for that moment and John has known that
since 2004.
"I don't care what you say, media, pundits. I don't think about the
consequences."
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