Jose Mourinho expects this season’s Premier League to be the most competitive of his two spells as Chelsea manager.
Transfer spending ahead of the new campaign has already eclipsed £500million (Dh2.9bn), and with the window open for the remainder of August that number could potentially double.
Chelsea begin the defence of their title against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and despite a low-key summer of transfer activity, Mourinho’s side are the favourites to seal back-to-back triumphs.
But the Blues boss believes the spending power of the top flight – due in part to next year’s bumper TV rights deal – will make this season’s title race one of the fiercest in recent campaigns.
“Maybe I’m wrong but I think fewer points will win the title,” Mourinho said.
“You have a minimum of five title contenders and the other teams get stronger and stronger. I think nobody can complain because everyone is investing – you go to Watford, you go to Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Stoke, every club. Every club has very good players so I think it’s difficult for the top teams in England because of the competitive nature.”
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Mourinho, whose side romped to the title last term, cited Yohan Cabaye’s £12m (Dh59m) move to Crystal Palace, Georginio Wijnaldum’s arrival at Newcastle from PSV and Max Gradel’s switch to newly-promoted Bournemouth for £7m (Dh41.5m) fee, as examples of the league’s strength in depth.
“There will be more times when the non-title contenders win matches against the title contenders,” he added. “It’s also difficult because they have players who could play in our teams – Cabaye could play for Chelsea, Wijnaldum could play for Chelsea, Gradel could play for Chelsea.”
Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri were sent home ill yesterday as Manchester City suffered a minor fitness scare ahead of the new season.
The trio complained of stomach bugs during training and were told to go home by a club doctor. But the problems are not thought to be serious and all three are expected to return to training ahead of Monday’s opener at West Brom.
