Chelsea should wait on Makelele's contract, Mourinho says

LONDON, Mar 16 (Reuters) Claude Makelele should wait until next season to renew his contract with Chelsea because of the pressures of playing for club and country, Jose Mourinho said TOday.

The 34-year-old France midfielder has a deal until July 2008 and newspapers say his agents are seeking a two-year extension.

Mourinho, who has described Makelele as one of the ''untouchables'' of his team, suggested at a news conference Chelsea should hold off as the player could not play so often for the club when still involved with France.

''I think it is one thing Makelele playing for Chelsea and another thing is Makelele playing for Chelsea and for France,'' the Portuguese coach said.

''When a 34-year-old man should be resting, he is playing international matches so when he comes back to Chelsea it's not to play but to rest. It's one thing being 24 and another being 34.'' Mourinho, who clashed with France coach Raymond Domenech at the start of the season over Makelele's call-up, said he now fully respected the player's choice to appear for his country.

''We respect the fact his national team wants him because he is a very good player, so there is no conflict,'' Mourinho said.

''But he is not playing any more with Chelsea the number of matches he would normally.'' Mourinho said there was no reason to look at Makelele's contract more than a year in advance.

''At his age it's time to analyse his performance month after month, year after year,'' he said.

''He has one more year of his contract so he is in a safe situation and Chelsea are very happy to have 'Maka'.'' Reuters DH DB2302