Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Jose cools Roman rumour

03 Sep 2007 - 07:17:54

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions that Roman Abramovich stormed out of Villa Park on Sunday after seeing his side beaten by Aston Villa.

The Blues' Russian owner left the directors' box immediately after Gabriel Agbonlahor's strike had sealed a 2-0 win for the Midlands club.

However, Mourinho has rejected claims that Abramovich's actions hinted at deep lying problems behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Last season was blighted by frequently denied rumours of a strained relationship between the pair.

"I think the owner leaves the stadium when he wants to leave," said Mourinho.

"I went to see England-Germany the other day and I left early because I wanted to beat the traffic."

Meanwhile, Mourinho claims the title race will be a much more open affair this season after seeing his side lose their first Premier League game since January.

"There has been a big input by teams outside of the top four so it will become more normal for the big teams to lose matches and points," he said.

"The other teams have spent lots of money and brought players in to bolster their teams.

"It will be more difficult to play against these teams because they are better.

"The league is open but it is the first weekend of September and we are only five matches into the season."