JOSE MOURINHO WILL TOP IT - JAMIE CARRAGHER

ABOVE: Jose Mourinho has been backed to lead Chelsea to Premier League glory next season

I’d pick them because Mourinho is back, and also because they actually have a very good team

Jamie Carragher

20th June 2013

By Jeremy Cross

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JOSE MOURINHO has been backed to lead Chelsea to Premier League glory next season.

Defending champions Manchester United will start the new campaign as favourites to defend their title.

But Jamie Carragher believes Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge has given Chelsea the X-factor again.

He said: “If you put me on the spot and ask me right now who will win the league, then I’d pick Chelsea.

“I’d pick them because Mourinho is back, and also because they actually have a very good team. They had a really good team last season, with some fantastic players.

“You look at the Premier League last season and most people would say Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie were the top three players, there’s probably no argument there.

“But at the same time, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard were probably four and five, and this season, under a different manager, they could easily go on and become the top players in the league. That’s the quality they have.

“Mourinho is also obviously a big factor. The players clearly respect him and adore him and I imagine they will go the extra yard for him.

“He will get the best out of that squad, they have a manager now they will fight for.
“I believe Mourinho could make the difference in the Premier League this season. He’s a special manager and he knows how to get results. They will be right back up there now, challenging again.
“I saw the fixtures and to see Chelsea playing Manchester United in their first game at Old Trafford is really exciting.
“It could be very significant at such an early stage of the season and I’m really excited about that game.”