Jose Mourinho has sent Frank Lampard and Chelsea a warning that big clubs can never accept defeats - and they risk their reputation if they do.
Liverpool's performance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday showed just how far Chelsea have to go if they are to become serious Premier League title challengers in the next few years.
Liverpool made Premier League history as they extended their winning run to 15 games with a 2-1 victory at the Bridge, with goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino seeing them become the first side in the Premier League era to win their opening six games in consecutive seasons.
Chelsea, whose boss Frank Lampard is still waiting for a home win after four games, got back in it through N'Golo Kante and put Liverpool's winning run under the sort of threat they have rarely encountered, but they fell short in their search for an equaliser.
They pushed hard for a leveller after Kante's fine individual strike, but the damage had already been done as Liverpool held on despite being well below their best, further underlining the gulf between the two clubs at present.
The defeat was Chelsea's second in four days at home, having fallen 1-0 against Valencia in midweek - and former Blues boss Mourinho says it is an exception which Chelsea cannot allow to become a norm, even if they are currently operating under a Fifa transfer ban.
"I hope they don’t get used to it [losing] – that’s the important thing," Mourinho told Sky Sports after the game.
"When you start accepting defeats just because your team play well and your players gave it their best, in terms of their application and commitment.
"I think when you get used to it, big clubs stop being big clubs. It shows people are ready for the season and ready to accept what the season is going to be under a manager who is one of the best professionals and a potentially top manager.
"The numbers say Liverpool are 10 points ahead of Chelsea – they aren’t going to fight for the title."
