Friday, 7th February, 2014
Alan Pardew has dismissed Jose Mourinho's claim that Chelsea are not Premier League title challengers, suggesting the Portuguese does not even believe it himself.
Chelsea secured a stunning win away at Manchester City on Monday night, but Mourinho instantly played down their title credentials by insisting Arsenal, along with the Citizens, are the strongest horses in the race.
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But Pardew, whose Newcastle side will meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, feels mind-games are being played by the former Real Madrid coach.
"I don't believe that [Chelsea aren’t contenders] for one minute – and I think deep down, nor does Jose", Pardew was quoted as saying by the BBC.
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"We all want to see the game played on an even field, end-to-end, but you have to be careful when you are coming up against players of the quality he has.
"He moans that he doesn't have this and that, but he's got plenty."
Newcastle beat Mourinho's Chelsea in the earlier fixture between the two teams in the Premier League, running out 2-0 winners at St. James' Park. In fact, the Magpies have won three of their last four meetings against the Blues.
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