Mourinho says Chelsea deserves more 'respect' from rest of English football

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has said that his squad deserves more 'respect' from the rest of the English football following fears that his line-up at Liverpool on Sunday might compromise the integrity of the Premier League title race.

Chelsea's upcoming clash with leaders Liverpool on Sunday will reportedly have a major bearing on the destiny of the Premier League trophy, but their recent loss to Sunderland City means that the club is now ranked third favourites behind Brendan Rodgers' squad and Manchester City in the title race.

Mourinho said that the most important thing for him is his club and Chelsea fans, adding that he has to defend his club and its supporters, Sport24 reported.

Mourinho also said that if Chelsea is not helped to try to follow their dreams and their objectives then the club would have one more reason for them to close ranks and to try and think only about themselves.

The Portuguese boss said that he feels Chelsea fans want the club to be respected, adding that they know what the club has done for the English football for the last 10 years.

Mourinho added that Chelsea has been the most important club to defend in European competitions, having won the Champions League and the Europa League.

Mourinho said that the fans want Chelsea to go to Liverpool and play at the maximum giving everything they have, but added the players that would be playing in that clash is the decision of the club and not anyone else's.

Chelsea is currently placed at the second position in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Liverpool, with three games left to play, but if they beat Liverpool on Sunday then it would result in second placed City being installed as favourites to win the title because they have a game in hand, the report added.