Jose Mourinho Right to Be Relaxed Even as Man City Up Pressure on Chelsea

It's not often a Jose Mourinho press conference goes off without incident, and his pre-match briefing with the media ahead of Chelsea's trip to Stoke City was no different.

Whereas it's normally the Chelsea boss ticking off a journalist for a poor line of questioning or feeling generous with his quotes, there was a twist this time. Mourinho was the subject like never before.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," he said to the amused press pack, who saw the funny side of Mourinho's phone ringing midway through.

Looking at Chelsea's head of media to his left, Mourinho carried the expression of a man embarrassed with the minor gaff.

"If this happened in a players' meeting, they would be laughing," he said. "This never happens."

What also never happens is the Portuguese getting carried away when it comes to the hunt for trophies and the drama that is built up for them.

Mourinho may be the Special One—and a man who has more than proved his worth of such a title—but he often remains straight-faced and business-like when it comes to discussing his own team's chances of glory.

He's confident, sure, but never over-zealous. Nor is he pessimistic.

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His reputation suggests otherwise, but Mourinho's a measured man.

Not since Aug. 25 have Chelsea been on the same points as Manchester City in the Premier League this season.

Three games into the campaign, the Blues were already building a gap between themselves and the reigning champions.

At one point it came close to double figures, but City have shown plenty of mettle of late to whittle that difference back down to its pre-September level.

A victory by four or more goals against Crystal Palace on Saturday and Manuel Pellegrini's side will go top of the table on goal difference, joining Chelsea on 39 points.

It'll be the first time since May they have hit such heights.

Chelsea play Stoke two days later, and if Mourinho is feeling apprehensive with how the fixture list has fallen, he was doing a good job of hiding it.

"No," was his answer to feeling concerned about the prospect of City taking advantage with their earlier game.

"We started the season on the same points as them and if we start Monday on the same points as them, that's fine."

Right now, it matters for little.

We can talk of gaps opening, teams dropping off or coming back in the title race, but with less than half the campaign played, it's not going to have much bearing on the outcome.

What's important for Mourinho and his players at this stage is they think about themselves only.

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Chelsea boast a talented group, and by that measure alone, they should have enough to negotiate what is often a tricky trip to the Britannia Stadium.

Psychology shouldn't come into it. Not yet.

If Chelsea panic and begin to look over their shoulder, that's when Pellegrini's men will begin to take the upper hand.

It's what they want. City need Chelsea to be getting itchy feet, to be losing their composure as they are chased down. That's what leads to errors and uncharacteristic performances from even the best players.

We call it pressure, and it makes the mind do strange things.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Mourinho uses his press conferences for many things. He'll complain at times that he has to do too many of them, yet equally he understands their value.

Press conferences are a moment when his persona reflects the team. A Mourinho on edge and carrying an agenda suggests a team that isn't confident of succeeding.

The Mourinho we saw on Friday broadcasts the opposite message: It tells us all is fine, the manager is happy with his players and the atmosphere on campus remains positive.

City's recent run of form is a statement the title race is far from over: Mourinho's laid-back demeanour tells City who is control, though.

Three points, one or even the nine it was at the end of November, Chelsea's position at the top continues to bring them that edge, regardless of how marginal.

It's their rivals who need points, not Chelsea.

"The only thing I am focused on is Monday's game," Mourinho said.

And so he should be.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes