Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has predicted that the Premier League will be more competitive this season.
The Blues won the top-flight crown at a canter in the last campaign after leading from the first month of the season, losing just three matches.
However, Mourinho believes that the team that wins the title in the new campaign will sustain more defeats due to the quality that is now spread across the league.
He told reporters: "To win the Premier League, we don't need so many points as before.
"I think more defeats, more lost points for the top teams. Crystal Palace buy [Yohan] Cabaye, as an example. I could give you much more examples.
"Welcome this mentality, welcome this economic power, welcome this ambition. If the Premier League was difficult, the Premier League will now be more difficult and I think less points will win the title."
Chelsea begin the defence of their title against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge next week.
Simon Sinclair
