Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho praises ‘honest’ Felix Magath

Jose Mourinho has praised “honest” Felix Magath after the Fulham manager declared his side have an advantage in Saturday’s derby following Chelsea’s exploits in the Champions League.

The Blues, who are currently top of the Premier League table, take on their local rivals a little over 65 hours after their energy-sapping 1-1 draw with Galatasaray in the first leg of their last-16 clash on Wednesday night.

We play Saturday which makes it more difficult. Magath knows that because he has the experience at this level

Jose Mourinho

Earlier on Friday, Magath admitted in his pre-match media conference that he hoped the Cottagers could benefit from “tired Chelsea” in their 1500 kick-off as the German attempts to win his first Premier League match.

“In a world where not many people are honest in the way that they analyse things, I have to praise Magath because he was the first one to say it is a different match because Chelsea had this situation in midweek,” Mourinho told his pre-match media conference.

“We had a special situation where the game was so far [away] and we don’t play Sunday. We play Saturday which makes it more difficult. Magath knows that because he has the experience at this level. He has been at other [Champions League] clubs for many years.”

Despite Chelsea leading the way in the Premier League, Mourinho was uncomfortable with his side being called leaders due to Manchester City’s game in hand over the west London side.

“We are top of the table because Manchester City has one match in hand. If they win this match, we are not top of the table,” Mourinho added.