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Premier League
Nov 8, 2014 at 12.45pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

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Can (9')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Cahill (14'), Costa (67')

Live Coverage: Jose Mourinho's weekly Chelsea press conference

Follow Sports Mole's live coverage of Jose Mourinho's pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's match against Liverpool.
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Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Diego Costa is fit to face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.

Chelsea travel to Anfield tomorrow, looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

The Spanish forward was rested in the Champions League, and could be joined by Loic Remy, who has recovered from an injury.

Read what else the manager discussed below:


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Good afternoon! Mourinho will be talking to the media in around 15 minutes ahead of his side's trip to Anfield tomorrow, where they will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

The Blues come into this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Maribor in the Champions League. That match saw Eden Hazard miss a penalty, having scored from the spot to beat Queens Park Rangers in the league last Saturday.

Here's some of the squad heading out to train yesterday:


Mourinho knows his opposite number, Brendan Rodgers, well. The Liverpool manager was on his coaching staff during his first spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, before he left to take up the job at Watford.

Don't forget to check out our match preview for this clash, and join us again tomorrow from an hour before kickoff for live coverage from Anfield.

Right then, the manager is ready, so let's see what he has to say...

Following news that Spain have agreed to leave Diego Costa out of their latest squad to let him manage an ongoing injury, Mourinho says: "He is ready to play but not for the national team. In those days he will rest. I want to make it clear that I did nothing for that to happen."

Mourinho adds that the striker will be in the starting lineup against Liverpool, while Loic Remy is fit enough to be included in the squad too.

On the title race, Mourinho tells reporters: "Southampton is unexpected to be there? Yes. Do they deserve to be there? Yes. We have to respect the fantastic work they are doing." Ronald Koeman's side are second in the table.

Mourinho is asked about the challenge of facing the Anfield crowd. He admits: "The crowd can influence the match in a big way at Anfield. I like to play there but I have to say that some people feel the atmosphere in a negative way, but that's not my case. I like it and it doesn't affect my players' performance, but in the past we have clear examples of it affecting other performances, goals that are not goal, penalties that are not given."

Despite playing a day later than Liverpool in the Champions League, Mourinho doesn't think his players will be too badly affected: "I think the players are mentally ready, if not physically, they can have a bit of a problem. It doesn't matter if we are in a disadvantaged position. What matters is that we have to play tomorrow at 12.45."

This will be the first time that Chelsea have faced Liverpool since Luis Suarez moved to Barcelona. Despite his absence, Mourinho still thinks the Reds have a strong squad: "When you lose players you lose something, but they had fantastic funds to improve their squad. They bought so many important players. Some of them internationals for England. I think the potential is there."

Mental preparation seems to be a priority for Mourinho this week, as he adds: "You always have to play seriously and try to make the best for your team. We will be mentally right. Mentally is more important."

That's it from Mourinho this week. To find out if Chelsea can get a win at Anfield, join us from 11.45am tomorrow for build-up and team news. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.

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Steven Gerrard of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on April 27, 2014
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