Chelsea go to league leaders Arsenal on Monday night having never lost to them under Jose Mourinho – but the Blues' boss does not think that is down to a pyschological hold.
It was business as usual as the old rivalry between Mourinho and Arsene Wenger resumed in a Capital One cup tie in October that Chelsea won 2-0.
It suggests nothing has changed from the time the Portuguese was last in charge at Stamford Bridge, but Mourinho is playing down his team's consistent one-upmanship over their north London rivals under his guidance.
“No, I don't think we have a psychological edge,” he said. “I just feel that we play better and deserve more. My memories are that against them we had very good matches and good results.
“It's not me against Wenger. It's my Chelsea against his Arsenal and that doesn't have influence on Monday, it means nothing.”
Mourinho added: “It's a different competition with different motivations from last time, and different players in some cases. There are no big conclusions or transfers to be made from the Capital Cup match to this one.
“But it's a London derby and first against third, so a big game for sure. It's a pity that it's not tomorrow because I'm ready to play the game and I want very much to play the game.”
