Matic: Manchester City clash is not a title decider

The Serbian midfielder insists that the result of Saturday afternoon's clash will not finish the title race, and he has also praised Diego Costa, who may miss the fixture

Nemanja Matic insists Chelsea's much-hyped clash with Manchester City this weekend will not prove to be a title decider.

Jose Mourinho's side can move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win over the champions at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Matic, though, is wary of overplaying the importance of the game, insisting that a Chelsea win would not completely derail City's chances of lifting the trophy.

"I wouldn't say that the clash with Manchester City will be the title decider because we and they have 15 more tough games until the end of the season," he told ItisaGoal.

"Three points would make it easier for us towards the title, but it's far from over."

Nevertheless, Matic remains solely focused on his ambition of becoming a champion with Chelsea, and he has also revealed that he wants to earn a specific personal accolade.

"I would like to win the Premier League title," he added. "On the personal plan, I'd love to get a place in Fifa best XI at the end of the year."

Diego Costa could miss the clash with City after being hit with an FA charge for violent conduct in relation to an alleged stamp on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can during the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge earlier this week.

But Matic has praised the Spain international, and believes the striker – who has scored 17 goals in 19 Premier League games since joining the club from Atletico Madrid – is "complete".

"The speed of his adaptation speaks of his playing qualities and character," he added.

"Truth be told, he arrived as a complete player, a champion in Spain and a Champions League finalist. That made it easier for him in England."

Chelsea have appealed the FA's charge against Costa, and a decision is expected on Friday.

Posted by Unknown on Saturday, January 31, 2015 - Rating: 4.5

Title : Matic: Manchester City clash is not a title decider
Description : The Serbian midfielder insists that the result of Saturday afternoon's clash will not finish the title race, and he has also praised Die...

Tweet