Mourinho fires warning to Cole
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-02 11:46

LONDON, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Complacency is unlikely to be a problem for runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea after manager Jose Mourinho's outspoken criticism of midfielder Joe Cole.

The England international, one of Chelsea's most consistent players this season and scorer of the winner at Manchester City on Wednesday, came under fire on Saturday after his display in the 2-0 defeat of Birmingham City.

"I told him one more match like this and he is out," Mourinho told the club's website. "One more match for the public and not the team and he's out."

Cole is suspended for Chelsea's match at West Ham United on Monday where they will be looking to make it four wins out of four over the Christmas fixtures.

It is not the first time Mourinho has criticised Cole in public, although he expects a good reaction.

"I think there's no problem because it took a long time before he arrived at this position and I don't think he is ready to go back," Mourinho added.

Mourinho was generally a happy man, however, summing up the last year at Chelsea as unbelievable and saying it would be very tough for the chasing pack to catch the champions this season.

"Our 101 points in 2005 (calendar year) is unbelievable -- no defeats at home, lots of victories, better position than in 2004, unbelievable," he told the post-match news conference.

With a cushion of 11 points over Manchester United in the 2005-06 title race, Mourinho said the London club had to believe they were in a comfortable position.

"You don't believe you are going to lose a lot or draw a lot. I believe the team is very strong and in a very good moment," Mourinho said.

"It's very difficult for them to catch us but in football you have to believe in everything so we must play safe, safe, safe."

CRESPO PRAISE

Chelsea scored first half goals through Argentine striker Hernan Crespo and Dutch winger Arjen Robben but squandered a host of other chances and Mourinho described the match as merely "acceptable".

Mourinho praised Crespo, who scored his eighth goal of the season, for his movement off the ball and said the Argentine showed he had adapted well to English football.

"He has great spirit and has adapted well to English football. He can challenge now, win more balls in the air, use his body well against defenders. He's improving a lot and I couldn't be happier with him," he said.

Chelsea have not lost at home under Mourinho, who took charge in July 2004. Their last home defeat was against Arsenal in February 2004.

They won the league by 12 points last May, lifted the League Cup and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

They are fighting on three fronts in 2006 with their first FA Cup game next Saturday against Huddersfield and a high profile Champions League first knockout round tie against Barcelona waiting in February.