ESPN FC Extra Time: Costa to Chelsea

Jose Mourinho insists Chelsea will not be involved in a Premier League title battle with Manchester City and Liverpool next season - because he believes his side will win it.

City pipped Liverpool to the crown with victory against West Ham on Sunday, while Chelsea finished four points behind the league leaders in third. Mourinho constantly denied Chelsea's chances of winning title this season, referring to side as a "little horse", but is already expressing confidence ahead of the new campaign.

"I have great belief in them [the players] and I think next season we can start day one and we can say without any kind of fears that we are there not to fight for the title, to win it," Mourinho said at Chelsea's Player of the Season awards on Monday.

"It's good to be back but it's not good to finish third. I'm happy with the evolution, but I'm not happy with third. Next season we want to do better than we did. We have to do better, I have to do better, the players have to do better."

While Mourinho remains intent on strengthening his side this summer, the Portuguese wants to see more from his players for the next campaign.

Earlier in May, Mourinho issued a stark warning to Chelsea's stars and called on them to improve next season or leave the club. In particular, Eden Hazard's commitment was criticised and, while presenting him with the club's Player of the Year award on Monday, Mourinho told the Belgian: "Next season we want more from you."

Chelsea, who have changed their transfer policy to reflect Financial Fair Play rules, look set for an overhaul with Mourinho understood to be targeting a new left-back, central defender and striker this summer.

A reported £30 million sale of David Luiz to Barcelona, which is expected to happen after this summer's World Cup, could help balance the books with Mourinho keen on securing the services of Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa.

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