Rift suggestions unfair on Terry - Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists his relationship with club captain John Terry is strong - despite ongoing suggestions of a rift between the pair.

The 34-year-old Terry played every minute of his side's successful Premier League campaign last season, but his previously unchallenged status as a first-team regular has been called into question this season.

Indeed, he was substituted at half-time in the defeat at Manchester City, sent off at West Brom and watched his team's Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday from the bench.

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard claimed in midweek that there was now a "bit of friction" between Terry and Mourinho - but the Portuguese coach insists that he has no issue with his skipper.

"I don't think John deserves somebody to say he has a problem with me," Mourinho said.

"I'm not even speaking about myself; I don't care about myself.

"But I think a top professional like he is and the way he always behaves in this club with me, I don't think he deserves any kind of doubt about what he is as a professional and as a captain in this club."

Mourinho also defended his selection decisions, saying Terry knows - and always has known - exactly where he stands with his boss.

"For John, the situation with me hasn't changed since 2004. It is exactly the same situation and the situation is clear for him since 2004," Mourinho said.

"I make my options, I play who I want, I don't care what you say about it, you media pundits. I don't think about the consequences.

"I play the player I think is the best for that game for that moment and John has known that since 2004."