Jose Mourinho has refused to comment on the Thibaut Courtois situation, as Chelsea prepare to play Atletico Madrid.
The Belgian goalkeeper is on loan at the Rojiblancos from the Premier League team, but after initial reports suggested that the Vicente Calderon outfit would have to pay for the youngster to play, UEFA then stepped in to quash that idea.
And ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg, the Portuguese Coach has insisted that he only wants to focus on his side.
“Courtois? It's best for me not to comment. UEFA make the rules, whether you accept them or not. It’s not for the manager to comment on,” he told a Press conference.
“I do not talk about players from other clubs.”
Mourinho then admitted that Atleti were ‘an important team’, but refused to go further.
“I’ve watched Atlético on a number of occasions and when we were drawn against them, it was an eye-opener.
“I have been studying them so that my players can understand what Atlético are like. To get to the Champions League semi-finals, to be battling for the Spanish League title, you have to be an important team.
“But I don’t want to talk about Atlético’s qualities. I have no interest in sharing that with you.
“I’m not here to talk about Atlético’s qualities – I've already done that with my players. No team gets to the Champions League semi-finals unless they are a good team.
“We have analyzed them and we respect them. I am not going to give my feelings about Atlético.”
The former Real Madrid man then remarked on last week’s Copa del Rey final, and Fernando Torres’ return to Vicente Calderon.
“I didn’t watch the final. I was watching Manchester City’s game against Sunderland and then Benfica’s game.
“I repeat, in Spain, Real Madrid is my team and when Madrid win competitions in which I am not involved in, I am happy.
“All of the players have the motivation to play for Chelsea – whoever plays tomorrow will be motivated.
“I haven’t said that Fernando will start tomorrow but the Champions League is motivating for good players.
“Fernando never hides and we talk about Spanish football every day. He is an authentic Atlético supporter and he doesn’t hide it but if he gets to play, I am sure that he will do everything possible to help Chelsea. He is a fantastic professional.”
