Jose: Let Tiago skip the Olympics

14 April 2012

Chelsea have not given up hope that Portugal midfielder Tiago will be able to start the Premiership season.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed yesterday that the 23-year-old is expected to be present when their Olympic squad meet up on Sunday, but Chelsea are still trying to secure his release.

It was reported yesterday that the FPF had rejected official requests from Chelsea and Manchester United not to take Tiago and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Athens Games, but the Stamford Bridge club have yet to respond.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: "We will make an official response in the appropriate time in and appropriate manner."

Chelsea feel that the FPF are trying to close the matter by preempting their response, but are hoping that Jose Mourinho's close relationship with the federation will persuade them to relent.

Mourinho is adamant that his most recent signing would be better served by pre-season training than representing his country and the player himself, unlike Ronaldo, has made it clear that he does not want to travel to the Olympics.

Mourinho said: "Portugal have lots of good young players and it's more important for Tiago that he trains and gets into good condition so he can be a good player for Portugal's A squad.

"I don't think the Olympic Games and the sub-23 national team is important for his career.

"I have a very good relationship with the Portuguese Football Federation and have always been very open with them.

"I am not worried because I always have good communication with the Olympic team coach."

Joe Cole, meanwhile, believes that Mourinho can revitalise his Chelsea career. The 22-year-old struggled to make an impression under Claudio Ranieri last season and was mainly used as a specialist substitute but is confident he can finally secure a place in the starting XI.

Cole feels that he was overlooked in favour of the big names last season but, after impressing the new head coach by turning up for pre-season training four days early, has been assured by Mourinho that the team will be picked on merit.

He said: "Everything the manager has done so far has been spot on. There's nothing to worry about and I'm just going to go out and play my game.

"I want a place in the starting XI and it's up to me to prove I'm good enough. The manager has made some changes and is not going to be fazed by big names.

"If you're doing well you're going to play. That's what a team like Chelsea needs, genuine competition for places."

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Jose: Let Tiago skip the Olympics

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