Mourinho gets ready for next season as Chelsea manager

LONDON, May 19 (Reuters) Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said after today's FA Cup final victory he was already planning for next season and scotched recent speculation by saying he was no enemy of club owner Roman Abramovich.

Mourinho, whose side beat Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley, had been linked with a close-season exit after a difference of opinion with Abramovich over transfer policy in January.

The Portuguese coach, who works mainly with chief executive Peter Kenyon and chairman Bruce Buck, said: ''I have a contract, I want to stay, the club told me they want me to say.

''I believe after three years with Mr. Buck and with Mr Kenyon I look at them as honourable people and not as liars.

''So when they say publicly and to myself that I'm going to be Chelsea manager next season I have no reason to doubt.

''I'm very, very happy in this club, I love the football in this country, I have no reason to leave.

''If the club were not happy with me, I think I'd be the first one to know because I'm working with honest people.'' As for the immediate future, he said: ''I'm preparing next season with Peter... on July 9 we start pre-season and I'll be there.'' Pressed about his rapport with Abramovich, Mourinho said: ''I speak with Mr Abramovich when I have a need.

''He has a manager, he has a (chief) executive, he has a chairman, a press director -- he has people to work for him. He doesn't need to be there all the time.

''I know Wembley was also a target for him. So if I mention him, and if I have him in my mind before a game like this, it's clearly because you are not enemies.'' Mourinho also spared a thought today for his pet dog, who was the cause last week of the Portuguese coach being arrested and cautioned by police for obstruction.

''The dog is fine and is in Portugal,'' he said. ''The city of London is safe because that big threat is away. So we don't have to worry about crime or anything.'' Reuters KK VP0125