• Premier League

London teams have it harder, claims Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has claimed London teams have it harder than their northern Premier League title rivals because they have to play more local derbies.

Chelsea host rivals QPR on a weekend which also sees United travel to City in the Manchester derby. However, Mourinho believes London sides have it tougher because derby games tend to be more competitive.

"London is a special place with derbies," Mourinho said. "You play eight or 10 derbies: Fulham, Charlton, plus the traditionals ... West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham. That makes it unique.

"That makes the London teams have more difficult times than others, because a derby is always a derby."

QPR currently sit 19th in the table ahead of their trip to the league leaders, although Mourinho has given Harry Redknapp his backing.

He doesn't think the Loftus Road boss is "under pressure", a view goes against much of the speculation at QPR, with sources telling ESPN that Redknapp's position is under threat after gaining just seven points from their opening nine games.

Although Monday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa alleviated some tension and saw owner Tony Fernandes offer Redknapp public backing, the coach's future looks far from secure - but Mourinho does not feel that is the case.

"I don't think he's under pressure. I think, under pressure, are the managers with their place in danger," Mourinho said. "I'm happy Harry is not one of them.

"I'm happy that his boss [Fernandes] came out, in difficult moments - not in easy moments when it's easy to come out - and told the country clearly that he trusts Harry, he's the man for now and the future.

"Harry is perfectly calm and steady and knows his place does not depend on results. He has everything to work in a stable way."

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