Curbishley voices Chelsea concern

Team news: Charlton v Chelsea

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley believes that Chelsea's financial power is a danger to British football.

Curbishley, whose side faced Chelsea at The Valley on Saturday, told BBC Radio Five Live that Roman Abramovich's money has put Chelsea in a dominant position.

"I think it is a danger. You have got these great European sides, who have competed but they have competed with a bit of debt," said Curbishley.

"Abramovich has come to Chelsea and from day one the rules have changed."

Curbishley said it was good that Chelsea failed to lure Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

"Chelsea signing Scott Parker from Charlton or Manchester United signing Louis Saha from Fulham is one thing," he added.

Predictability is going to be the enemy of all of us in the end Charlton chief executive Peter Varney

"When Chelsea go after Steven Gerrard and nearly get him, that's a little bit different.

"For me, when it didn't happen I felt perhaps that was a good thing."

Curbishley's fears were echoed by Charlton chief executive Peter Varney, who believes fans could turn away from football if one side dominates the game.

"It's like Formula One. If you see someone like Michael Schumacher winning a race every time it can become a bit predictable," Varney told Five Live.

For the amount of money they have, you would think Chelsea could show a bit more flair From ALY Have your say on 606

"As with any sport, if there is a perception by the public that either one or a small number of clubs dominate, then that, in the long-term, will affect interest.

"That is something - as a league going forward - we are going to have to address because predictability is going to be the enemy of all of us in the end."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, has hit back at criticism of his side's performances so far this season.

Why should the team who are winning give the opponent what they want? Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

Mourinho, whose team have come under fire, despite not conceding a goal and scoring more than any other team, said they were not obliged to entertain.

"Obligation is not a word in my footballing vocabulary," he stated.

"In my vocabulary the words are: work, be professional, do your best, work with quality, commitment and enthusiasm and respect. That is what I promise.

"I cannot promise I am going to win but with all those ingredients normally you succeed."

Mourinho added: "Our style is the winning style and sometimes the winning style is to play very good quality attacking football - like we did a few times this season.

"Sometimes it is to control the opponent but it is always to play with the weaknesses of the opponent and don't give them what they want me to give.

"The team who are winning, why should that team give to the opponent what they want? I am very happy with the way my team is playing."