Jose Mourinho says he knows where this year's Premier League title is headed.
With many insisting the race for the top piece of domestic silverware is down to two clubs – Chelsea and Manchester City – the Blues boss says it is a far more open competition than that.
Asked if the league title was in the bag, he insisted it was far from secured.
“If you are top of the league by 15 points we would be pretty sure,” he said. “But we are speaking about three points (ahead of Manchester City), and after that Manchester United are also not far.
“I think below 15 points (off top spot) you are in the title race, more than 15 points, it is an impossible job.”
So in Mourinho's thinking, Manchester City (three points away), Manchester United (10 points), Southampton (13 points) and West Ham (14 points) are all still in with a shout.
And then there are the teams with a gap not 'below 15 points' – Arsenal and Tottenham (both 15 away), Swansea (17 points) and Liverpool (20 points).
Chelsea dispatched one of those four title challengers, in the form of West Ham, on Boxing Day. On Sunday they travel to another – with the 2.05pm kick off at Southampton.
Asked if the St Mary's side could stay up in the mix, and win a Champions League place this season, Mourinho insists it can happen.
“It's difficult but you have to say it is realistic,” he said. “They are getting results, they are playing well. Why not?”
