Thursday 13 August 2015 10:31, UK
Jose Mourinho says he has confidence in back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to perform at Manchester City on Sunday and denied suggestions that Chelsea will miss Petr Cech.
The 33-year-old Czech Republic international left Stamford Bridge after 11 years during the summer to join Arsenal after playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois last term.
Courtois' sending off in Saturday's stuttering 2-2 home draw with Swansea led to the introduction of summer signing Begovic, with the former Stoke goalkeeper now set for his full debut at title rivals City on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
"We don't miss Petr," Mourinho said. "We've got a good keeper, the problem with Petr is not that we miss him because we have two excellent keepers.
"The problem with Petr is that an opponent is better than before.
"Thibaut and Asmir are two fantastic keepers. My club did very well by getting a keeper on time and not on the August 31.
"If my club gives me a keeper on August 31, then we have a problem not just for today but also for the next match. Unless the people understand that it's not a red card and they clear the suspension."
Courtois will serve a one-match ban at the Etihad after being sent off for bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis, providing the Frenchman a chance from the penalty spot which he took.
Speaking on Saturday Night Football Jamie Redknapp felt the decision was harsh and Mourinho was clearly angered by the dismissal saying, "I expect the referees to do their job well, that's what I expect".
He also rejected the notion the Blues have started the season slowly, having also lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
There were some promising signs in the first half on Saturday, with Diego Costa an imposing presence having overcome a reoccurring hamstring issue to start.
"He did very well, and again the second half is very difficult because it was a big difference - one player less and a lot of effort and even so I was not expecting him to resist for 90 minutes," Mourinho said.
"But because we wanted to try to get a goal we went with him until the end and it was very important and new for us that he played for 90 minutes with such a physical performance.
"He is happy with the reaction. He is okay, happy, he is very happy and with the reaction with his body after such a hard game."
Watch Manchester City v Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Super Sunday from 3.30pm.
