Jose Mourinho says John Terry knows why he is not playing every minute for Chelsea this season

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is adamant his relationship with captain John Terry is as strong as ever despite suggestions of a rift between the pair.

The 34-year-old played every minute in the Premier League as Chelsea won the title last term, but is by no means assured of his place against Arsenal on Saturday.

Terry was substituted at half-time in the 3-0 loss at Manchester City, was sent off in the win at West Brom and was an unused substitute in the midweek Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Steven Gerrard, Terry's successor as England captain, suggested relations were strained between Blues boss and skipper, something Mourinho has denied and says shows a lack of respect.

"I don't think John deserves somebody to say he has a problem with me," Mourinho said. "I'm not even speaking about myself, I don't care about myself.

"But I think a top professional like he is and the way he always behaves in this club with me, I don't think he deserves any kind of doubt about what he is as a professional and as a captain in this club."

Mourinho has criticised the press for writing negative stories about his Chelsea side Mourinho has criticised the press for writing negative stories about his Chelsea side

Mourinho insists he is only doing what is best for the team and believes Terry understands that as much as anyone else.

"Last season he played every minute but two seasons ago he didn't and three seasons ago even less. So what's the problem?" Mourinho said.

"He's a player of my total confidence. I trust him as always and he's one of my men. Because he's on the bench one game or because I take him off at half-time, nothing changes.

Jose Mourinho was asked if he would be prepared to shake Arsene Wenger's hands ahead of their Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge Jose Mourinho was asked if he would be prepared to shake Arsene Wenger's hands ahead of their Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge

"For John the situation with me hasn't changed since 2004 (when Mourinho first became Chelsea boss). It is exactly the same. I play the player I think is the best for that game, for that moment and John has known that since 2004.

"I don't care what you say, media, pundits. I don't think about the consequences."