Wednesday 5 August 2015 10:43, UK
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes the Premier League title will be harder to win this season.
Mourinho says that it is not just the improved quality of Chelsea’s traditional rivals - who as expected have strengthened in the summer - that will make it a tougher league.
He has been surprised by the quality of the arrivals at some of the Premier League’s ‘smaller’ clubs too.
Chelsea launch the defence of their title against Swansea on Saturday, and Mourinho, speaking the Premier League launch on Wednesday, says that will be the start of a tough campaign.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "Our direct opponents - Liverpool, United, City, Arsenal - their squads are top squads.
"Maybe I am wrong but I have the idea that less points will win the title this season. Other teams are investing very well and this is not normal.
“Smaller teams are getting some of the best players from some countries. Those players usually only leave their counties for the best clubs but now they go to the promoted teams.
“Now it is their competitive nature and their quality that top teams have to play against. It is more difficult.
“I look to the next match and see a difficult match against Swansea. I only think about match after match and each one is difficult."
