Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert may have filed the FA Cup as a nuisance but Jose Mourinho says he will never view the famous old competition that way.
The Blues have been serial finalists – four times at the new Wembley – and he says both he and the club love it.
They begin their quest for another appearance at Championship side Derby County on Sunday.
“Paul has the right to express his opinion, but I have the right to think differently, and I do,” said the Chelsea boss.
“Especially for teams without European competition, and when games come at the weekend, I don't see a reason for clubs not to try to win matches.
“Even the smallest clubs, who know it is very difficult to reach a final, I think the FA Cup has a special feeling, a special meaning.
“I was lucky to win lots of trophies, but to win the FA Cup at Wembley was one of the high moments in my career, so I have a good feeling for the competition. And the good things this country has in terms of football, I think we have to keep.”
Mourinho says he will treat Steve McClaren's team with respect and will not field a weakened side – although Mark Schwarzer may give Peter Cech another breather in goal.
“We go with the best possible team to try to win the game,” said the Portuguese.
“We are not going to give a break to players and an opportunity to others, because we want to try to win the game and we don't want to lose and if possible, we don't want to play a second game.”
