Jose Mourinho seeks to ‘destroy’ rivals

London: Jose Mourinho revealed his predatory instinct by promising that Chelsea will “destroy” teams this season if they maintain high intensity for entire matches.

A host of attacking talent lies at the Portuguese’s disposal and the trio of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Oscar tore Hull apart in the opening half of their match on Sunday.

But the young players tired and the score remained a relatively bloodless 2-0. Mourinho is confident that when fitness and experience improves, his Chelsea side will go for the kill and rack up goals.

“If we do that, we will destroy an opponent,” he said. “We’ll get a much bigger result because going that way you have to score goals.

“We want to win matches. But what I like is that when you have the chance to beat them by three, four or five, we have to do it.”

The declaration came with a caveat for Hazard, who Mourinho said must gain more ambition if he is to fulfil his potential. “When you are a normal player you have to be happy if you perform OK,” he said. “But when you are a top talent, you can’t waste it.

“He mustn’t be up and down but always at the top of his game because he has the ability to be a top player. This is what I want. Whether I can get it, I don’t know but he is working very hard. I’m very happy with the kid.”

However he rowed back on previous statements that it was “Wayne Rooney or bust” and said: “We have Plan B and C”. Mourinho would not comment on a mooted move for Samuel Eto’o but it is clear he craves a focal point for his creative midfielders.

The two Manchester clubs each scored four in their opening games, yet Mourinho was keen to broaden the canvas of possible champions.

“At this moment we cannot speak about two sides, we have to speak about six sides,” he said.

“Let’s see if any one of the six is good enough to make a real difference, to disappear and be in the zone to be dominant, or if we will get to the end with great balance between the sides.”