New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he won't play favourites with his veterans.

Mourinho says the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard know he won't guarantee anyone a first team start.

"I'll tell you, because the boys, who know me, know how I am," said Mourinho. "They know they must work. There are no favourites.

"They have great quality and great character and offer great balance to the younger players.

"Beyond the ones I know, the club has done very well in the past years to bring some great talent here.

"Every club has ambition to add a couple of new players, to improve the squad and increase competitiveness.

"The most important part of my job is improvement of the boys. Big potential. I am more than happy to help them."

Mourinho also discussed Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United.

"I have to say, as a manager, I am sad that I will go to Old Trafford and not see Sir Alex on the touchline. It's very sad for me as a competitor.

"But David (Moyes), certainly has the conditions to succeed. He has the protection and security of the club."