Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has responded to comments made by his Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez over the Blues’ transfer pursuit of defender John Stones.
The Premier League champions have had two bids, of £20m and £25m, for Stones flatly refused by the Toffees.
Martinez was unimpressed with Chelsea’s interest of Stones, and went so far as to call Mourinho ‘disrespectful’.
Martinez had said: “You know that is illegal, the rules don’t allow you to comment on players that are registered at other clubs in that open manner, that is disappointing.
“You know, I know. We all know there are rules and regulations and it is something we don’t want to see when other clubs speak about your players. It is wrong and it shouldn’t happen.
“As clubs we have a good understanding of where we are and I don’t think it is something to get the managers involved in.”
These comments have not set well with Mourinho, who responded: “My feeling is just one and I’m not speaking about Everton or Stones. I’m just speaking in general.
“If I could, I would speak with you once in a month. And there are other people in football who if they could they would have a press conference every day. And I don’t want to say anything else.”
Chelsea kick off their Premier League title defense this weekend against Swansea at Stamford Bridge, while Martinez’s Toffees are at home to newly-promoted Watford.
by Steve Osborne
